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"THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL MAN 
OF THE SOUTH." 

A SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND LABOES 

OF THE 

REV. JOHN McCULLAGH. 

BY THE 

REV. JOSEPH H. McCULLAGH. 

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY THE 
EEV. EDWIN W. RICE, D.D. 



PHILADELPHIA P^ 

THE AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION, 

1122 Chestnut Street. 

New York : 8 and 10 Bible House. 
1889. 










DEDICATION. 



TO THE MANY THOUSANDS OF MY FATHEE'S BELOVED FEIENDS 

THEOUGHOUT THIS UNION, FEOM THE LITTLE ONES IN 

SUNDAY-SCHOOLS TO THE VENEEABLE SAINTS OF FOUE- 

SCOEE YEAES, WHO HAVE OFTEN LISTENED WITH 

PLEASUEE TO THE STIEEING APPEALS FEOM 

THE VOICE THAT IS NOW SILENT, AND WHO, 

BY THEIE KIND WOEDS OF CHEEE AND 

GENEEOUS CONTEIBUTIONS TO THE 

GEEAT CAUSE TO WHICH HE 

DEVOTED HIS LIFE, 

MADE THE OLD MISSIONAEY'S HEAET EEJOICE, 

AND HIS LIFE ONE OF TEIUMPH, 

M%# WaXnmt 

IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 

BY THE AUTHOR. 



Copyright, 1889, by 
The American Sunday-School Union. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Any well-written biography of a good person 
inspires the living to fill their lives with good 
deeds. If, as Carlyle says, "the history of 
what man has accomplished in this world is at 
bottom the history of the great men who have 
worked here/' then this little book is no unim- 
portant contribution to the history of the 
American people in the South ; for those who 
occupy high public offices are not the only 
great men of a nation. " Given a great soul 
open to the divine significance of life," and 
you will have a person fit to speak and to do 
great things. In a high or a humble sphere 

(v) 



vi INTRODUCTION, 

such a soul will become, nay is, one of the 
world's great men. 

Hence every true reform and every import- 
ant movement develops great souls. They are 
the world's heroes ; recognized in their period 
and place, and justly honored for their achieve- 
ments. To this noble army of confessors and 
great men John McCullagh belonged. Good 
biographies of such men are among the most 
instructive and valuable works in Christian 
literature. A better class of books for Sun- 
day-school libraries and for the home is not to 
be found. 

This unpretending yet . admirable sketch of 
the "Sunday-school Man of the South" will 
be read with avidity by thousands who have 
been stirred by his eloquent appeals, and by 
thousands of others who have been blessed 
by his indefatigable labors. The consecrated 



INTRODUCTION. Vii 

Scotch lad, upon whose head the beloved 
Thomas Chalmers kindly laid his hand, accom- 
panying it with thoughtful counsel, was ever 
after inspired with a good measure of the same 
fiery zeal that filled the heart of the greatest 
of modern Scotch preachers. Scotch persever- 
ance, animated by such zeal, enabled McCul- 
lagh to sweep everything before him. 

It is a difficult task to write a just and in- 
teresting biography; but this delicate work 
has been performed with rare discrimination, 
excellent taste and graphic conciseness by the 
son, the Rev. Joseph H. McCullagh, now grace- 
fully wearing the mantle and vigorously carry- 
ing forward the work dear to his father's heart. 
The fragrance of such a consecrated life as 
John McCullagh's is sweet : it deserves to be 
held in remembrance, as it long will be, south 
and north, and may cheer many a discouraged 



viii INTRODUCTION. 

soul, by the help of God, to do a heroic work 
for the Master, in the face of adverse fortune, 
and in a strange land. 

Edwin W. Rice. 

Philadelphia, July 10, 1889. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Dedication, iii 

Introduction, v 

CHAPTER I. 

Early Life, . . 15 

Serious illness, 15— Eeligious training, 16— Dr. Thos. 
Chalmers, 17 — University of Glasgow, 18— Trials, 18 
—Work in Scotland, 19— Adventure on the Irish 
coast, 20. 

CHAPTER II. 
Goes to America, .21 

Last sermon in Great Britain, 21— Providential pres- 
ervation, 21 — On the ocean, 22 — Drunken sailor, 23 
— Profane infidel, 24. 

CHAPTER III. 
In New York, 25 

The American Sunday-School Union, 25 — Resolves 
to become a volunteer worker, 26 — First sermon in 
America, 27— Goes to Monticello, 27— Dr. Archibald 
Alexander's views, 28 — Discussion with an Arian, 28 
— Back-load sermon, 29, 30. 

(ix) 



x CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

CHAPTEE IV. 
Goes West, 31 

Eefuses to travel on Sunday, 31— The stop over in 
Louisville, 32— Visits Sunday-school, 32— Eev. Dr. 
E. P. Humphrey, 33— Eev. Dr. Stuart Eobinson, 35 
— Great results, 36. 

CHAPTEE V. 

In Illinois, . 37 

A civil engineer, 37— Fever, 38— Mr. Crenshaw. 38— 
Heroic prescription, 40— Flatheads, 41— Mr. Lin- 
coln, 41. 

CHAPTEE VI. 

Goes to Kentucky, 42 

First Sunday-school in Henderson, 42 — Its history, 
43 — Henderson Eclectic Institute, 44— Work in the 
interest of education, 44 — Hardships in volunteer 
missionary work, 46, 47. 

CHAPTEE VII. 
Work in Henderson, 49 

Eesolves to build a church, 50 — Difficulties in raising 
the money, 51— Subsequent history of the church, 
53 — Grand Union meetings, 54 — Marriage, 55-57. 

CHAPTEE VIII. 

Enters as a Eegular, 58 

Enlists for life, 59 — Increased labors, 60 — Some re- 
sults, 61 — Hardships, 61 — Social influence, 62 } 63. 



CONTENTS. xi 

PAGE 

CHAPTER IX. 

Missionary Experience, 64 

Claw-hammer Sunday-school, 64 — Defeats the Ro- 
manists, 65, 66 — Circulation of religious literature, 
67 — History of two books and Uncle Ben, 68-70. 

CHAPTER X. 

Missionary Experiences— Continued, . .71 

Breaks up " The Travellers' Rest," 73— Filling Ap- 
pointments, 74 — Caught in a tornado, 76 — White Lick 
school, 77. 

CHAPTER XI. 

Incidents of the Work, 78 

Put Mr. Johnston in the harness, 79— Archie and the 
Testament, 80 — After many days, 83 — Lost in the 
forest, 83 — Methodist preacher, 84 — Views of Union 
work, 85. 

CHAPTER XII. 

From a Missionary's Note-book, . . . .86 

Not afraid of a distillery, 86 — Alphabetarians, 87 — 
Rough fare, 88 — Uncle Billy and Parson Benton, 89 — 
Tommie Ewing, 90 — Bill Knox and the Mill School, 
92 — Tokens of esteem, 94 — Distinguished men, 95 — 
Andrew Jackson, 95 — Alexander H. Stephens, 96-98. 



xu CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

CHAPTER XIII. 

The Opposition Line, . 99 

Routs a Free Lover, 99-102 — Overcomes Uncle 
Johnny the Hardshell, 103 — Results, 105 — The shady- 
side and the sunny side of the opposition line, 106- 
108— Satisfies doubters, Dr. Todd, 109. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

CO-WOEKEES, . . .110 

Stuttering Willie, 110 — Rebecca Thomas' ring, 112 — 
Emma J. HilFs dollar, 115— Ida May Bowen, 116— 
Miss Charlotte Sprague, 118 — Unknown friend, 119 
—Many helpers, 120, 121. 

CHAPTER XV. 

The Field Widens, . . . . . . .122 

Appointed superintendent, 122 — Success, 123 — Work 
with missionaries, 124 — Tact as a collector, 126 — In- 
cidents, 127 — Noah's carpenters, 128 — Efforts to re- 
lieve the South, 129. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

DUEING THE WAE, 131 

The work not delayed, 131 — Danger and deliverance, 
132, 133— Protects missionaries, 134, 135— The Golden 
Link, 136— Blind Ben, 136, 137. 



CONTENTS. xiii 

PAGE 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Addresses, 138 

Success as a public speaker, 138-140 — Jesus only, 141 
— Battle of Manassas, 142 — Work of The American 
Sunday-School Union, 143-145 — The infidel's daugh- 
ter, 146-149— Dave Nelson, 150-152. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
Personal Characteristics, . . . . .153 

Mental traits, 153 — Strong religious convictions, 154 
—Covenant with God, 155-157 — Prayers answered, 
158 — Wide religious sympathies, 159 — Claimed by all, 
160 — Confession, 161 — Will power, 161 — Incident, 
162 — Industry, 162 — Daniel Webster and his brother, 
163. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

General Results— A Retrospect— Closing Years, 165 

Great length of service, 165 — Number of schools or- 
ganized, 166 — Money collected, 167 — Results of work 
in southern district, 167 — Work done for God dieth 
not, 168 — Hand of Providence, 169 — Quiet old age, 
171 — Work as general missionary, 172 — Affliction of 
deafness, 172 — Relaxation, 172 — Loss of friends, 173 
— Rev. Dr. B. M. Palmer, 174 — Last contribution, 
175 — Last letters, 175 — Falls asleep in Jesus, 176. 



xiv CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

CHAPTEE XX. 

Views of his Character, 178 

By Eev. Dr. James M. Crowell, 178— From Eev. Dr. 
H. Clay Trumbull, 178— A. G. Adams, 179— Colonel 
B. H. Young, 179— Eev. G. S. Jones, 180— Eev. 
Isaac Emory, 180— H. W. Hunter, 181— Eev. W. P. 
Paxson, D.D., 181— L. Milton Marsh, 182— E. G. 
Chisolm, 182— J. P. Orr, 182— Eev. Edwin W. Eice, 
D.D., 183— From the Presbyterian Banner, 184— The 
Sunday-School World, 185 — The Christian Observer, 186 
— The Courier- Journal, 186 — Henderson Journal, 187 — 
Henderson News, 187-189. 



THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL MAN 
OF THE SOUTH. 



CHAPTER I. 

EARLY LIFE. 



Many years ago, a little boy in Scotland lay 
suffering with brain fever. His mother was a 
widow, and he was now her only son. Thrice 
already had she been called to mourn, like 
" Rachel weeping for her children, and would 
not be comforted, because they are not." Ac- 
cording to the custom of that time, the phy- 
sician was bleeding the little sufferer, to reduce 
the fever ; and while feeling the pulse, which 
was beating weaker and weaker, his face was 
grave and troubled. The mother was looking 
on with anguish and despair. 

"John," said the physician, "has the pain 
left you?" 

" Yes, sir ; the moment you spoke it 
stopped." 

15 



16 EARLY LIFE. 

" Thank God, you will recover. The crisis 
is past." 

These words from the doctor brought sun- 
shine to the mother's heart and face. This 
boy, whose life had been quivering in a bal- 
ance, was John McCullagh. 

He was born near Glasgow, Scotland, Octo- 
ber 31, 1811, being the youngest of four 
children. His brother Joseph, and two sisters, 
died quite early in life. His father died when 
John was very young. It was with joy like 
unto that of the Shunammite woman, whose son 
was raised from the dead by Elisha, that this 
afflicted Scottish mother heard her son would 
recover. 

She was a woman of great strength of char- 
acter and of deep religious convictions. When 
her son was restored to health, she bent all her 
energies to train him in a godly and pious man- 
ner. The Bible, the Confession of Faith and 
Shorter Catechism were her text-books. Faith, 
prayer and holy living were her methods of 
teaching. The pupil was an apt scholar, hav- 
ing a bright mind and a remarkable memory. 
Chapter after chapter from God's word was 



IN SCOTLAND. 17 

thoroughly learned. The Psalms of David in 
metre, such as are used in the Scottish 
churches, were memorized. These he never 
forgot ; and when over seventy years of age he 
could sit and repeat by the hour, with all the 
quaint sweetness of the Scotch brogue, these 
beautiful Psalms and truths of God which he 
had learned at his mother's knee. 

While the boy was quite young, the noted 
Rev. Dr. Thomas Chalmers came to Glasgow, 
as pastor of the Tron Church, and commenced 
his wonderful work of Sabbath-school and 
church extension in the destitute portions of 
that city. John McCullagh attended Dr. Chal- 
mers' Sabbath-school in Glasgow, and after- 
wards in Edinburgh. He was a faithful and 
diligent scholar, and often spoke of the day 
when Dr. Chalmers took him by the hand and 
led him out before the Sunday-school and 
praised him for memorizing Bible verses. The 
love and admiration which John McCullagh 
had for Dr. Thomas Chalmers became one of 
the controlling influences of his life. It was 
from Chalmers' work that he grasped the idea, 
in after years, that Sabbath-school work among 



18 EARLY LIFE. 

the poor and destitute was the greatest door 
open for Christian activity; Chalmers having 
said, " I see more good results from my Sab- 
bath-school in Kilmany than from all my other 
work." It would be an interesting study to 
trace out the power and influence of Dr. Chal- 
mers' example on the life of John McCullagh. 
The same fire that burned in the heart of the 
Nestor of Scotch preachers was communicated 
to the breast of his Sabbath-school scholar, and 
borne by him through the forests of America. 

When a young man, he entered the Uni- 
versity of Glasgow. Geometry and the higher 
mathematics had especial attractions for him. 
Surveying, civil engineering and astronomy 
were also favorite studies. Owing to failing 
health, he was compelled to suspend his studies 
for several years. During this time he was 
connected with a commission house, and trav- 
elled for it through the north of Ireland and 
west of Scotland. This active life having bene- 
fited him, he returned to the university to 
complete his education . 

About this time his mother died. His affec- 
tionate, tender heart always treasured her 



IN SCOTLAND. 19 

precious memory as sacred ; and even during 
his last days, when speaking of her, there was 
a peculiar tenderness and pathos in his tone. 

Just before completing his theological stud- 
ies, another trial of a different nature befell 
him. He had inherited quite a handsome prop- 
erty, but had been induced to indorse for some 
friends ; their enterprise failed and he had to 
pay the notes. This swept away his fortune 
in one day. 

He now resolved to leave Scotland and go 
to America. His plan had been to devote him- 
self to Sunday-school work in Great Britain, 
and he had organized Sabbath-schools among 
the colliers and fishermen in Scotland, and the 
Irish in Connaught ; but America seemed to be 
the more promising field. 

His family were all dead, and his fortune 
gone. He wished to leave the place of so 
many sorrowful and unpleasant associations, 
and go to a new world, and devote his life to 
the great work of training the young for Christ. 

Before leaving Great Britain, he visited the 
Giant's Causeway and the Irish coast. One 
day, on this visit, he secured a gig to drive 



20 EARLY LIFE. 

along the beautiful coast. Night overtook him 
before he returned. The way was lonesome, 
and there was no one in the vehicle except 
himself and the driver. Suddenly two men, 
armed with clubs, rushed out of the bushes 
and seized the horse by the bridle. " High- 
waymen," said McCullagh to himself, "and I 
am unarmed!" But his courage did not fail; 
and rising, he shouted in a loud voice, " Let 
go that horse, or I will make you !" At the 
same time he snapped the spring of his umbrella 
twice, sharply. The larger man cried to his 
companion, "Run, Mike! that fellow has a 
pistol." In an instant they were gone, and he 
returned safely; but the adventure terminated 
the trip for sight-seeing. 



CHAPTER II. 

GOES TO AMERICA. 

In the spring of 1834 he was ready to leave 
for New York. The last sermon he heard in 
England was by Dr. McNeill, a distinguished 
minister in Liverpool, from the text, "The 
Master is come, and calleth for thee" (John 
11 : 28). The whole discourse seemed as if it 
had been specially prepared for him. It said 
to him in substance, " God, by his providence, 
has brought you to this point The ship is in 
the harbor, ready to carry you over the sea. 
A great work is before you. Be of good cour- 
age, c It is I, be not afraid.' " 

He had secured passage in the Jane Walker, 
a strong new ship, which was to sail that week; 
but meeting some friends in Liverpool, who de- 
sired thac he should remain some time with 
them, he went to the office of the owners and 
asked that his passage be changed to that of 
the Margaret, a brig belonging to the same 
owners, and which was to sail two weeks later. 

21 



22 GOES TO AMERICA. 

u Yes, we will change you/' said the agent, " if 
you will pay us a handsome bonus." " What ! 
pay a bonus to be changed from a new ship to 
an old brig ? I will do nothing of the kind ; I 
will go on the Jane Walker." 

The Margaret sailed two weeks later from 
an earthly port, but landed her passengers in 
eternity. Not a spar was found to tell how, 
when or where she was lost. 

When he went on board the Jane Walker, 
the first thing that met his gaze was a young 
sailor lying on the deck in a state of beastly 
intoxication. The sailors were standing around 
laughing at him. One of them said, "Wait 
until the mate comes on board, and he will put 
that fellow ashore in a hurry." Mr. McCullagh 
looked at the unfortunate man, and saw that 
he had a fine, open face. He was moved with 
pity toward him, and said to one of the sailors, 
" He looks like a good fellow ; you take hold 
of his feet and I will take his arms, and we 
will carry him off the deck." 

They carried him below, and covered him 
with some old sails. The next day the ship 
was out at sea, and the young sailor had be- 



ON THE OCEAN. 23 

come sober. As he was walking on the deck 
the sailors pointed to Mr. McCullagh, and said 
to the young man, " That is the gentleman who 
saved your bacon." 

The ship was fifty days in making the voy- 
age. After getting within six hundred miles 
of New York, contrary winds arose, which, for 
three weeks, blew them steadily back toward 
Liverpool. 

One night, on this voyage, while a storm was 
raging, a man went to the room where the 
casks of fresh water were kept. He left the 
key out which held them in place, so that the 
rolling of the vessel threw them out of posi- 
tion, and they were soon in such a condition 
that one half of the water supply was lost. 

The next morning the order was, "Water 
rations cut down one half." Some days later 
this was again reduced, until a water famine 
threatened them in mid-ocean. 

The young man whom Mr. McCullagh had 
befriended was placed in charge of the water 
supply. He told him he was now ready to re- 
pay him for his kindness, and that he would 
put a gallon jug full of water in his room every 



24 GOES TO AMERICA. 

morning. The offer was accepted, and every 
day he went among the steerage passengers, a 
large number of whom were on board, and 
many of them sick, and held a glass of water 
to their parched lips. If he had given them 
gold and diamonds they could not have been 
more grateful. He said he had never appre- 
ciated what a blessing water was until then. 

A Colonel Bailey, a blaspheming infidel, was 
on board. His horrid oaths shocked all who heard 
them. One night the ship was reported to be 
going down under the terrible sweep of the tem- 
pest. Colonel Bailey was in his room, pray- 
ing very earnestly. A number of passengers 
gathered around his door to hear him. One of 
them said, " Why, he can out-pray a preacher." 

The next day the sky was clear, and when 
the colonel was congratulated upon his gift in 
prayer, he swore that it was all a lie, he never 
prayed in his life. This convinced Mr. McCul- 
lagh that some infidels are cowards when dan- 
ger is near. 

After a long and stormy voyage the Jane 
Walker reached New York safely. 



CHAPTER III. 

IN NEW YORK. 

It was with great joy that Mr. McCullagh 
first gazed on the New World, bathed in the 
glories of the rising sun. Here was to be the 
scene of his trials and triumphs ; this people 
were to be his people, their God, his God. 
After landing he called to see Mr. Robert Car- 
ter, the noted book publisher, to whom he bore 
letters of introduction. From Mr. Carter he 
received much useful information about the 
points of difference between this country and 
Scotland. 

While in the city he heard of The American 
Sunday-School Union, and pondered over the 
name. " American, that means national, not 
sectional ; Sunday-School, that means spiritual, 
not secular; Union, that means united effort 
for Christ. I like everything about it. That 
name expresses my sentiments. I suppose 
they have experienced men to do the very kind 
of work I intend to perform. I am a raw re^ 

25 



26 IN NEW YORK 

cruit, and know nothing of this country, but I 
can be a volunteer. Without asking any pay 
from the society, I can help them in their grand 
work. I enlist in that cause for life." 

He resolved that instead of becoming an or- 
dained minister, where his influence would be 
local, he would devote himself to missionary 
work, and go to the war on his own charges. 
He reasoned thus : " While I have but little 
money I have good health, an education, and 
am a civil engineer. With these resources I 
can always make a living and have time to 
work for the Master. If I teach school I will 
be brought in contact with the young, and can 
have great influence over them. If Paul prac- 
ticed the trade of tent-making in order to 
preach the gospel without charge, I have a good 
scriptural example for my model ; and if this 
country is as vast and boundless as they tell 
me it is, and the population so widely scattered, 
there are thousands who never hear the preach- 
er's voice. The church and Sunday-school so- 
cieties cannot support all the men required to 
reach them. I will be a volunteer in the army 
of King Jesus, will bear my own expenses, and 



THE CITY, 27 

go where I think the most good can be done. 
I will unfurl the blood-stained banner of the 
Cross, and tell of his wondrous love to sinners." 

On the following Sabbath he went to hear 
Rev. Dr. Gardiner Spring preach. This was 
the first sermon he heard in America. The 
text was, "Ye are my witnesses, saith the 
Lord" (Isaiah 43 : 10). The theme was per- 
sonal work for Christ. One of the main points 
of the sermon was the importance of work in 
the Sunday-school. Mr. McCullagh was highly 
pleased and greatly edified by the discourse. 
"That is the true doctrine," he exclaimed; 
u that sounds like Dr. Chalmers." 

After a short stay in New York city he went 
to Monticello, Sullivan county, New York. 
Here he was very kindly received by Rev. Dr. 
James Adams. The first sermon he heard from 
Dr. Adams was from the text, "Ye are our 
epistle written in our hearts, known and read of 
all men" (2 Corinthians 3:2), bringing out the 
great idea of Christian influence and the glory 
of Christian work. Dr. Adams cordially in- 
dorsed Mr. McCullagh's views of Sunday-school 
missionary labor, and often accompanied him 



28 IN NEW YORK. 

on his missionary trips. To strengthen his 
views he read to him Dr. Archibald Alexander's 
opinion, as follows : " I have a favorite notion 
that this is a rich, uncultivated missionary field. 
There should be a class of preachers for chil- 
dren alone. If I were a young man I would, 
God willing, choose that field." 

While living in Monticello, on one occasion 
he became involved in a discussion with a 
learned judge of that place, who was an Arian 
and a very subtle reasoner. The debate waxed 
warm, and a large company gathered around 
the disputants. 

Finally, Mr. McCullagh said, " Judge, you 
have the advantage of me. You know what I 
believe, but I do not know what you believe." 

" I believe the Bible." 

"Do you believe the Bible?" 

"Yes," he replied, '" I believe the Bible." 

" Well then, you are a lawyer and a judge ; 
it is your business to make a very close study 
of words to ascertain their exact meaning, and 
to construe them strictly and accurately. Now 
then, if God, the great Father of us all, wished 
you and me and every one to believe that Jesus 



SULLIVAN COUNTY JUDGE. 29 

Christ was divine, and in a way so clear that 
nobody could misunderstand it, will you please 
tell us, as a judge, what terms should be used 
to express the truth ?" 

"Well," replied the judge, "if God wished 
us to believe Jesus to be divine he would have 
said in the Bible, He is the true God." 

The auditors all agreed to the judge's state- 
ment, and thought the young Scotchman was 
cornered ; but he quietly turned to the judge's 
daughter and said, " Miss A., will you please 
take your Bible and turn to the first epistle of 
John, fifth chapter, and read the twentieth 
verse ?" In a sweet voice she read to the eager 
listeners the verse referring to Christ which 
says, " This is the true God, and eternal life," 
being the words which her father said should 
have been used. The judge gracefully changed 
the subject, and the discussion was closed. 

Mr. McCullagh lived in Monticello, N. Y., 
several years, where he taught school and 
worked among the poor in Sullivan and the 
adjoining counties. The following incident will 
illustrate the nature of his work there : 

One Sunday he walked six miles through 



30 IN NEW YORK. 

deep snow, with a load of books on his back, to 
organize a Sunday-school among the " bark- 
peelers." They were considered to be such 
wicked people that it was not worth while to 
try any religious work among them. But be- 
fore he commenced his address one of the 
" bark-peelers " jumped up and said, "This 
young man has already preached the best ser- 
mon in this county. To carry such a load as 
this six miles through the snow is what I call 
a 'back-load sermon.' That is the kind of 
sermon I like. Now I came here to break up 
the meeting ; but we are going to have a Sun- 
day-school here if I have to superintend it 
myself." Then, shaking his brawny fists at 
some of his companions, he continued, " If any 
of you fellows disturb this Sunday-school, see 
what you will get. Now, young preacher, make 
your speech and I will keep order." A good 
and useful Sunday-school was the result. In 
after years he saw the spire of a church point- 
ing heavenward from the spot where he organ- 
ized this school. 



CHAPTER IV. 

GOES WEST. 

The state of Illinois was at that time attract- 
ing great attention. Many new railroads were 
being projected, and many settlers moving into 
the state. Mr. McCullagh resolved to go to 
Illinois, believing that much greater destitution 
could be found there than in New York. Owing 
to the slow methods of transportation then in 
use, it was a long and tedious journey. Arriv- 
ing at Pittsburgh, he paid his passage on a 
steamer to Shawneetown, Illinois. 

The boat reached Louisville, Ky., Saturday 
night. When they were some twenty miles 
from the city, he went to the captain and said, 
" How long will you remain at Louisville ?" 

" I do not know," replied the captain ; " why 
do you ask ?" 

" Because I have paid my fare to Shawnee- 
town, and if the boat is going on to-night I will 
get off, as I do not travel on the Sabbath." 

The captain looked at him in amazement, 

31 



32 GOES WEST. 

and said, " I have been running steamboats for 
many years, but you are the first man I have 
met who would get off, after his fare was paid, 
to keep from travelling on Sunday ; but I re- 
spect you for it — -I had a good mother, if I am 
a hard sinner. I have a large amount of iron 
and other freight for parties in Louisville. If 
they are ready to receive it when we arrive, the 
boat goes on in a few hours. It will be late 
when we get there, and if the parties have 
gone home, we will not leave Louisville until 
Monday morning. I will let you know." 

After the boat landed, the captain came to 
Mr. McCullagh and said, " We cannot get away 
from here before Monday. Do not tell the 
passengers ; they will worry me about it." 

The first Sunday in Kentucky proved to be 
a memorable one in Mr. McCullagh's life. He 
visited the Second Presbyterian Church Sun- 
day-school, and made an address at the close. 
He heard Rev. Dr. E. P. Humphrey, pastor of 
the church, preach an able sermon from the text, 
" For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ : 
for it is the power of God unto salvation to 
every one that believeth" (Romans 1 : 16). 



DR. HUMPHREY. 33 

With this seemingly accidental tarry at Louis- 
ville were connected far-reaching results. In 
after years this Presbyterian church Sunday- 
school became a regular contributor to his work, 
and continues it to this day. This school alone 
has given thousands of dollars to the American 
Sunday-School Union, besides a large amount 
regularly contributed by the members of the 
church. Dr. Humphrey became Mr. McCul- 
lagh's life-long friend, and a regular contributor; 
and many years after gave this cordial endorse- 
ment of his work : " The American Sunday- 
School Union for fifty-nine years has carried the 
gospel to thousands who had no other instruction 
in the plan of salvation. Its missionary work 
has been managed through the South with sin- 
gular discretion and ability, and its opportunity 
was never so great as now." 

About forty years later, Mr. McCullagh 
visited the Sunday-school of the College Street 
Presbyterian Church, of which Dr. Humphrey 
was then the pastor. In closing his address 
he said, " I desire to offer a challenge to this 
school. Forty years ago I heard your pastor 
preach a sermon, and I venture to say I can 



34 GOES WEST. 

tell more of that sermon than any of you 
teachers or scholars can repeat of any sermon 
the doctor has preached in the last four weeks. 
Dr. Humphrey is here, and he will be the 
judge. Any one who is ready will please 
begin." 

He paused, waiting for some one to com- 
mence. There was no response. 

Dr. Humphrey then came forward, and was 
deeply affected. He said, "I regard this, 
Brother McCullagh, as the compliment of my 
life; that you, a stranger, forty years ago 
passing through Louisville, having heard me 
preach, should remember the text and all the 
points of my sermon." In a private conversa- 
tion which followed, Mr. McCullagh, in a ban- 
tering way, said, " Doctor, I heard you preach 
recently, and you are preaching about the same 
old subjects you did years ago. Why don't 
you preach about the sensations and new 
things ?" 

"Ah," said the doctor, " God's love for 
sinners and the great salvation through Christ 
will be my theme as long as I live." 

Rev. Dr. Stuart Robinson, who was after- 



STUART ROBINSON. 35 

wards pastor of the Second Presbyterian 
Church, was also the beloved friend and cor- 
dial helper of Mr. McCullagh in his Sunday- 
school work. Some years he personally con- 
tributed fifty dollars to the cause. 

In May, 1875, Dr. Robinson went to New 
York city and delivered an address, pleading 
for the support of the American Sunday-School 
Union in the South. The meeting was held 
in the Academy of Music. The vast and 
beautiful building was crowded to its utmost 
capacity. Hon. William E. Dodge was the 
chairman of the evening, and every seat on 
the great platform was occupied. Among 
those present were Drs. John Hall, Armitage, 
Deems, J. Cotton Smith, and also Messrs. 
Morris K. Jesup, F. Marquand, Alexander 
Brown, Maurice A. Wurts, Edwin W. Rice, 
and other officers and managers of the society. 

When this noble man passed away, Mr. 
McCullagh felt that he had lost a true friend, 
a sincere sympathizer, a brother beloved ; and 
he wept for him as David did for Jonathan. 

Other pastors and Sunday-schools in after 
days were drawn into cordial sympathy with 



36 GOES WEST. 

the missionary work of the society. The War- 
ren Memorial Sunday-school, Preston Street 
Union Mission, Walnut Street Presbyterian 
school, Park Mission school, and others also be- 
came interested in Mr. McCullagh's work, and 
were liberal contributors. 

On his regular visits he made many friends 
in all the churches in Louisville, and among 
the business men generally. The sum which 
he raised in that city, for the American Sun- 
day-School Union, amounts to more than forty 
thousand dollars. 

Great results sometimes spring from small 
beginnings. By his determination not to travel 
on Sunday he became connected with these 
noble workers ; which led to important results. 



CHAPTER V. 

IN ILLINOIS. 

The events narrated in the last chapter in- 
terrupted the orderly course of our history; 
but they illustrate the truth of the Scripture, 
" Them that honour me I will honour, and they 
that despise me shall be lightly esteemed" 
(1 Samuel 2: 30). 

Let us resume our narrative. The boat left 
Louisville on Monday morning, and Mr. McCul- 
lagh arrived safely at Shawneetown. He at 
once entered the corps of civil engineers en- 
gaged in constructing a railroad running out 
from Shawneetown. The country through 
which they worked was infected with malaria. 
Chills and bilious fever were almost epidemic. 
Their fare consisted of bacon and corn-bread. 
The five engineers with whom he worked were 
all healthy and robust. After their hard work 
these men ate heartily of this coarse food, but 
Mr, McCullagh partook very sparingly of it. 
In a short time four of them were taken with 

37 



38 IN ILLINOIS. 

the fever and died; the remaining one returned 
to the East. Soon afterwards Mr. McCullagh 
had his first chill. It was amusing to hear him 
describe it. He had never seen any one with 
the ague until he lived in Illinois. 

He went with Mr. Crenshaw, a good old 
Methodist brother, to a camp-meeting which 
was then being held. A camp-meeting was 
something entirely new to him ; he had never 
heard of one in Scotland. One day at the 
meeting, about noon, Mr. McCullagh had a hard 
chill. Mr. Crenshaw said, " Brother Mac, you 
know what a chill is now, and they are not very 
funny. Come, I must take you home ; you are 
in for a hard spell of illness." This good man 
was right ; chill followed chill, and resulted in 
a violent attack of fever. He was sick many 
weeks, and it was thought he could not recover. 
Great suffering was caused from the despond- 
ency and depression which malarial poison pro- 
duces. 

Mr. Crenshaw nursed him like a brother. 
During the weary days of his convalescence 
Mr. McCullagh said, " Brother Crenshaw, I do 
not believe I am going to get well." 



THE AGUE. 39 

" Tut ! nonsense, man !" he replied. " God 
has a great work for you to do. You are not 
going to die until that work is done." In a 
strong, sweet voice he would begin to sing : 

" Come, my soul, thy suit prepare, 
Jesus loves to answer prayer ; 
He himself has bid thee pray, 
Therefore will not say thee nay. 

" Thou art coming to a King, 
Large petitions with thee bring ; 
For his grace and power are such, 
None can ever ask too much." 

Then this good man would get on his knees 
and, with the tears streaming down his cheeks, 
pray that God would comfort the spirit and 
heal the body of the sick brother. As Mr. 
McCullagh often expressed it, " Brother Cren- 
shaw could sing like a thrush, and out-pray the 
natives." 

The patient improved slowly. Finally, 
Brother Crenshaw said, " Mac, you have been in 
that bed long enough. To-morrow morning, at 
five o'clock, my son Bill will have the horse at 
the door, and you are to be up and dressed, and 
he will drive you four miles just after sun-up." 



40 IN ILLINOIS. 

« Why, Brother Crenshaw, I could not get 
up if you would give me your farm." 

" You are in my house, sir, and my word is 
law." 

The next morning, at half-past four o'clock, 
Brother Crenshaw's commanding tones were 
heard : " Get up quick, Bill, and go get the 
horse; Mac will be ready in a few minutes, 
and you must drive him four miles before break- 
fast." These words brought despair to the 
heart of the poor sufferer. He feebly arose 
and began to dress. In a short time he was 
going to the gate, leaning on Mr. Crenshaw's 
arm. When he returned from the drive the 
sun looked brighter and the birds sang more 
sweetly than he had ever known. Brother 
Crenshaw's heroic treatment was just what was 
needed ; and after continuing it some time, the 
patient improved wonderfully. He never ceased 
to love this good man for his kindness, and 
always held him in grateful remembrance. 

Mr. McCullagh now commenced his Sunday- 
school work in southern Illinois in earnest, 
This region was called " Egypt," on account of 
the moral darkness which prevailed in that sec- 



THE FLA THE ADS. 41 

tion. He commenced vigorous work in Massac 
county, where a large number of outlaws had 
settled. They were called "Flatheads," and 
had a majority in some of the precincts, and 
could elect one of their number as county offi- 
cer. It was regarded unsafe to take a good 
horse into the county, for it was sure to be 
claimed by one of the " Flatheads." The case 
would be tried before an " esquire" or local 
magistrate and a jury who were " Flatheads." 
Of course the traveller would lose his horse. 
Mr. McCullagh, strange to say, was cordially 
welcomed, and organized a number of Sunday- 
schools among these people. Some of the grand- 
est results of his life-work were accomplished 
in " Egypt." 

"While laboring in Illinois he made the ac- 
quaintance of Abraham Lincoln. He heard 
him deliver political speeches, and on one oc- 
casion carried him a number of miles in his 
Sunday-school buggy. When he told Mr. Lin- 
coln that he intended to move to Kentucky, he 
replied, "God bless old Kentuck ! God bless 
old Kentuck ! it is my native state." 



CHAPTER VI. 

GOES TO KENTUCKY. 

Having heard much about Kentucky, her 
whole-souled people and her religious destitu- 
tion, Mr. McCullagh resolved to make that his 
permanent home. In November, 1839, he 
moved to Henderson county. 

During the winter he organized his first Sun- 
day-school in Kentucky. It was started in a 
school -house not far from where "Posey Chapel" 
church now stands. About the time the school 
was fairly organized for work, a flock of sheep, 
grazing near by, which had taken possession of 
the school-room the day before, were chased by 
some dogs. They, to flee for safety, made a 
break for the school-house. The door was open 
and they rushed in, the old ram leading them ; 
but finding it occupied, he ran on through the 
house and jumped out of the window, and the 
whole flock followed him. 

In March, 1840, Mr. McCullagh moved to 
the town of Henderson, which continued to be 

42 



SETTLES AT HENDERSON. 43 

his home through life. At this time there was 
no Sunday-school in Henderson, and none in 
Kentucky for a distance of seventy-five miles, 
except the little one that he had started in the 
county. The destitution stirred his soul. He 
soon announced that a Sunday-school meeting 
would be held in the old seminary. On Sun- 
day, an hour before the meeting, he went up 
and down the streets with a hand-bell, like an 
auctioneer, urging the people to come. This 
Union school, which he organized, superin- 
tended and fostered, had a remarkable his- 
tory. It proved to be a marvellous power for 
good. It continued as a Union school for a 
number of years. As the town grew and the 
various denominations increased in strength, 
they gradually withdrew to organize schools of 
their own. This old Union school was the fore- 
runner of the ten churches and fourteen Sun- 
day-schools now in Henderson. Many of the 
office-bearers and prominent members in these 
churches studied their first Bible lesson in the 
old Union school. 

In the spring of 1840 Mr. McCullagh opened 
the Henderson Eclectic Institute, a school for 



44 GOES TO KENTUCKY. 

young men and boys. The success of this en- 
terprise was phenomenal. Good teachers were 
scarce in those times. His school was soon 
filled with the most promising young men of 
Henderson and the surrounding country, and it 
became necessary for him to engage assistants. 
He continued this school, which was a growing 
success, until he gave it up to devote his whole 
time to the work of The American Sunday- 
School Union. The influence for good which 
he exerted in the school-room cannot be esti- 
mated. Starling's History of Henderson says : 
" A majority of the young men of the town, at 
that time, owe their education to Rev. John 
McCullagh. He worked indefatigably in the 
interest of educating the young. He was ex- 
tremely popular with the children, and was per- 
haps the best-known man in the county. He 
took great pride in his scholars, and affection- 
ately spoke of them as 'my boys/ Many of 
them have held high positions of honor and 
trust ; some being ministers, congressmen, law- 
yers, bankers and merchants." 

His Sunday-school work during this time was 
simply amazing. Western Kentucky was de- 



MISSION WORK. 45 

veloping rapidly, and many new settlers were 
moving in. He was constantly pushing forward 
vigorously to start a Sunday-school at every 
new point. On Friday afternoon his pony 
" Charry" was hitched to the fence. As soon 
as school closed he was off to an adjoining 
county, and would ride probably thirty miles 
that afternoon and evening. On Saturday he 
would be riding in every direction, visiting the 
people, making Sunday-school speeches at coun- 
try stores and spreading the notice of his ap- 
pointments. On Sunday he would organize 
probably two schools six or eight miles apart, 
and start for home late in the afternoon, some- 
times not getting back before midnight. Mon- 
day morning, with a smiling face, he would be 
ready to open school. 

The hardships in this work were often very 
great. Sometimes when in the midst of the 
forest, ten o'clock at night, miles from any 
house, a great storm would break upon him, 
the darkness black as Egypt and the rain 
falling in torrents; his pony would tremble like 
a leaf at the mighty bursts of thunder and the 
falling of the trees around them. The mission- 



46 GOES TO KENTUCKY. 

ary would often be forced to stop for an hour, 
drenched with the rain, waiting for the fury of 
the tempest to subside, so as to make it safe to 
proceed. 

Another difficulty was to keep in the right 
way. The country was new, covered with 
forests, and the roads very poor and circuitous. 
Some one has aptly said, " The roads in these 
parts for the first mile or two were pretty good, 
for the next three miles they were rough, and 
then they dwindled down to a bridle-path; after 
that they were not much more than a sheep- 
track; then they faded into a squirrel- track, 
and at last they ran up a tree." A witty man 
once told him, " This road commences here and 
ends 'nowhar.' " 

On one occasion, having lost his way, he saw 
a cabin in the midst of a corn-field. He shouted 
" Halloo!" but no one heard him. He then 
dismounted and, getting over the fence, started 
for the house. When about halfway, two fierce 
dogs rushed toward him. What could he do? 
To run meant to be torn in pieces, to stand still 
seemed to be the same. There was a fallen 
tree lying near. He jumped behind the tree, 



DODGING DOGS. . 47 

and took off his straw hat and waved it rapidly 
at the enraged dogs. For a moment they seemed 
to fear there was some hidden evil in the hat, 
but their courage soon revived. When he struck 
one dog in the face with the hat to make him 
stay on his own side of the log, he tore a piece 
out of it. By this time the other dog was 
nearly over and required the attention of the 
hat, from which he also took a piece. The hat 
was being rapidly torn into shreds. To his 
great joy he was soon reinforced by a man, who 
came running from the cabin, with a big club, 
and beat the dogs into subjection, and gave the 
missionary full directions, so that he went on 
his way rejoicing. 



FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HENDERSON, KY. 




PRIMITIVE SCHOOL-HOUSE IN KENTUCKY. 



CHAPTER VII. 

WORK IN HENDERSON. 

As it was with the apostles, who commenced 
their work in Jerusalem, so Mr. McCullagh re- 
garded his own home as the proper place to 
begin Christian effort. After getting the Hen- 
derson Union Sunday-school into successful 
operation, his next step was to build a church. 
The facts connected with this effort are taken 
from the excellent article in " Starling's History 
of Henderson," prepared by W. J. Marshall. 

In 1840 there were about fifteen or twenty 
Presbyterians scattered through Henderson 
county. The Posey brothers and their fam- 
ilies, and a few mothers in Israel, still clung 
to the covenant. 

"At this time," says the above history, " a 
young stranger, whom, it seems, a kind Prov- 
idence had especially fitted and sent to accom- 
plish a great work for the Church, came to 
Henderson. He made friends wherever he 
went, and ere long he had gained both the 

4 49 



50 WORK IN HENDEESOK 

esteem and confidence of the whole community. 
I allude to John McCullagh, to whom, under 
God, the Church at Henderson owes more, for 
the prosperity she has since enjoyed, than to 
any other person. Being an earnest worker, 
he could not sit by contented while the cause 
of Zion languished, her people being as sheep 
without a shepherd, having no spiritual home. 

" The Sunday-school which he had organized 
was a success, and the enthusiasm of this young 
brother was contagious, and soon manifested 
itself in the church. His motto was, ' Expect 
great things from God; attempt great things 
for God.' He had a church meeting held, at 
w T hich new officers were elected, and arrange- 
ments were made with Rev. J. V. Dodge to 
preach for them. 

" Mr. McCullagh's next move was to build a 
church, that was not to cost less than six 
thousand dollars ; he agreeing to raise money. 
It was a bold move. It was moreover re- 
garded by many as absurd and preposterous, 
for a church organization, with a handful of 
scattered members, to talk about building a 
six thousand dollar church in a sleepy village. 



MONEY FOB A CHURCH. 51 

That amount of money, in those times and cir- 
cumstances, was as large a sum as fifty thou- 
sand dollars would be at the present time. It 
was a bold enterprise ; but in its boldness lay 
its strength. The church members gave nobly, 
and the community, pleased at the prospect of 
such a substantial improvement, responded with 
liberal subscriptions. 

" To raise the money, however, was no easy 
undertaking ; and he resolved to hazard it all 
on one bold move, which, if accomplished, 
w 7 ould give the assurance of success. He got 
up a paper on which he was to have two thou- 
sand dollars subscribed by not more than ten 
persons ; the subscriptions were not to be bind- 
ing unless the whole amount was raised within 
sixty days. 

" After gleaning the field, he had seventeen 
hundred dollars subscribed by nine persons. 
He was now in a dilemma, and knew not 
where to go. He speaks of it as follows : 
'In this dark and trying hour I went to the 
mercy-seat for light, and spent a sleepless 
night wrestling in prayer. In the early dawn 
the light came. A voice seemed to say, " Go 



52 WORK IN HENDERSON. 

and see Mrs. R. B. Stites, and tell her your 
desire to secure c a place for the Lord, an hab- 
itation for the mighty God of Jacob/ It all 
depends upon her; she will not refuse." I 
went without delay, and was cordially received. 
She inquired how T I was getting on in raising the 
two thousand dollars. With a sad heart and 
in trembling words I attempted to tell her the 
exact state of the case ; that, so far as I knew, 
everything depended on some one of God's 
jewels giving the balance of the two thousand 
dollars. I talked on and on, at great length, 
fearing to give her a chance to refuse. She 
seemed greatly amused, and at last replied, 
" Well, my young brother, I knew what you 
camjg for, and what all this long talk meant. 
You shall have the three hundred dollars, with 
great pleasure. I laid it aside for you, and 
now just go ahead and raise the four thousand 
dollars," I started off singing the long-metre 
doxology, shouting now and then, "Glory, 
Hallelujah !" ' 

"He raised the money. The church was 
built; and when it was dedicated a glorious 
revival followed, and some fifty of the most 



MASS MEETINGS. 53 

prominent citizens were converted. This 
church has continued to grow and prosper, 
until it is now among the strongest churches 
in Kentucky." 

In 1884, the congregation having outgrown 
their church building, a colony went out to 
organize the Second Presbyterian Church. 
Mr. McCullagh was in cordial sympathy with 
the plan, and aided it both by contributions 
and by wise counsel. This church now has 
over two hundred members, and owns property 
worth twelve thousand dollars. 

For more than forty years he visited annu- 
ally every Sunday-school or church in the 
town, or would hold mass meetings to which 
all were invited. These meetings were largely 
attended. In his earnest, thrilling manner he 
recounted the progress and triumph of the 
Sunday-school cause during the year. As he 
poured out a tide of facts, which he called 
" God's arguments," there were few who did 
not receive fresh inspiration, and make new 
resolutions to enlarge their Christian effort in 
the future. 

In March, 1852, a writer for the Sunday- 



54 WORK IN HENDERSON. 

School Journal, then published by the Amer- 
ican Sunday-School Union, in describing one 
of these Union meetings, after giving an ac- 
count of Mr. McCullagh's address, says, " The 
rector of the Episcopal church arose and said, 
'I call upon all to hold up the hands of the 
Sunday-school missionary, as Aaron and Hur 
held up the hands of Moses. I will stand on 
one side of Brother McCullagh; who will 
stand on the other? I will hold up one of 
his hands ; who will hold up the other V The 
Presbyterian minister said, 'The time for 
making speeches in behalf of the American 
Sunday-School Union has gone by; its great 
utility is acknowledged by all/ He urged the 
audience to contribute liberally to the cause. 
The Baptist minister said, ' That as long as 
this great work was well sustained there was 
no danger in the future for our country.' The 
Cumberland Presbyterian minister expressed 
his hearty co-operation in this work. The 
pastor of the Methodist church made an ad- 
dress full of timely suggestions." 

There are but few persons who have been 
raised in Henderson county who did not know 



FINDS A WIFE. 55 

Mr. McCullagh, and cannot recall his Sunday- 
school stories. 

Shortly after coming to Henderson, he met 
Miss Lucy M. Lyne, a handsome young lady. 
He fell in love with her at first sight, but for 
conscience's sake held his affections in check. 
At that time she was fond of attending balls 
and theatres ; and he felt that a woman of the 
world could not sympathize with his work, nor 
be a proper help meet in such a cause. He 
still loved her secretly. About a year after 
this, one morning at breakfast, some one asked 
him if he had heard the news. "No," he re- 
plied; "what is it?" 

" Why, Miss Lucy Lyne has joined the 
church, and has given up worldly amuse- 
ments." 

He restrained all feelings of joy, but re- 
solved to press his suit. In this he was suc- 
cessful; and they were married, February 16, 
1842. She was a devoted wife, and entered 
heartily into the spirit of his Sunday-school 
work. Six children were born to them, three 
of whom have entered into rest. His absence 
from home on long missionary trips greatly in- 



56 WORK IN HENDERSON. 

creased her responsibilities in the care of the 
large family of little children. She knew how 
greatly his life was endangered by the acci- 
dents of travel and tha hardships which he en- 
countered, and was fully aware of her own un- 
protected condition when he was away. But she 
was a woman of great moral courage, of sober 
judgment, of an earnest spiritual nature and fer- 
vent piety. She lived a beautiful life of faith and 
consecration. She died February, 1859. Her 
last words were, " Precious Jesus, all is well." 
His love for her amounted almost to idolatry, 
and he never married again. One night, about 
twenty-eight years after her death, he was tell- 
ing of some of the dangers he had encountered, 
and of some remarkable escapes he had made. 
He said, " I cannot understand it ; these things 
seem almost incredible." Just then he looked 
up at her portrait, hanging over the mantel, 
and said, with tears in his eyes, " Oh yes, it 
is she. c Are they not all ministering spirits 
sent forth to minister for them who shall be 
heirs of salvation V She has been my blessed 
guardian angel." He then quoted these beau- 
tiful lines : 



MEMORIES OF THE ABSENT. 57 

Alone I walk the peopled city, 

Where each seems happy with his own ; 

friends, I ask not for your pity, — 

I walk alone. 

The gold is rifled from the coffer, 

The blade is stolen from the sheath ; 
Life has but one more boon to offer, 
And that is death. 

Yet well I know the voice of duty, 

And therefore life and health must crave, 
Though she who gave the world its beauty 
Is in her grave. 

1 live, lost one, for the living 

Who drew their earliest life from thee ; 
And wait until with glad thanksgiving 
I shall be free. 

For life to me is but a station, 

Wherein apart a traveller stands, 
One absent long from home and nation— 
In other lands, 

And I, as he who stands and listens, 

Amid the twilight's chill and gloom, 
To hear, approaching in the distance, 
The train for home. 

For death shall bring another meeting, 

Beyond the shadows of the tomb ; 
On yonder shore is she now waiting, 
Until I come. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

ENTERS AS A EEGULAR. 

During all the years in which young McCul- 
lagh had been working as a volunteer mission- 
ary, he bought large supplies of books from the 
American Sunday-School Union. After coming 
to Kentucky, his purchases had increased large- 
ly until 1841, when they attracted the atten- 
tion of Rev. J. H. Huber, of Louisville, Ky., 
superintendent of the society's work in the 
South. 

Mr. Huber came to Henderson, as he ex- 
pressed it, "to find out something about the 
young man who was ordering so many Union 
books and papers for. Sunday-schools in and 
around Henderson." He inquired, "Who gave 
you authority to organize Union Sabbath- 
schools ?" Mr. McCullagh replied, "I hold my 
commission from the great Shepherd himself, 
and it reads as follows, 'Feed my lambs/ I 
claim only to be a volunteer." 

Mr. Huber promptly replied, "I came to 

58 



ENLISTS FOE LIFE. 59 

Henderson for no other purpose than to get you 
to enlist in the regular army of the American 
Sunday-School Union, and I do not intend to 
leave town until the object of my visit has been 
accomplished. A man who loves the work so 
much as to labor for years without a cent of 
pay cannot fail to make a good permanent mis- 
sionary." 

After considering the many advantages which 
would result from working as an authorized 
agent of the society, Mr. McCullagh accepted a 
commission to labor in Kentucky, at a salary of 
one dollar per day for each day that he worked. 
He often said, "I then enlisted not for one 
year, nor for three years, nor for thirty years, 
but for life. And I want my name to remain 
on the roll of the army of the American Sun- 
day-School Union, like the Huguenot captain 
who received his death-wound on the battle- 
field. His last request to his superior officer 
was that his name should remain on the roll of 
the regiment, and when he was called his com- 
rade should step out of the ranks and say, 
'Here — died on the battle-field." 7 * 

* Mr, McCullagh's son, the Rev. Joseph H. McCullagh, 



60 ENTERS AS A REGULAR. 

Great as had been his efforts before, he now 
felt that they must be redoubled. If, as a vol- 
unteer, he had been like Saul, and slain thou- 
sands of the enemies of righteousness; as a 
commissioned missionary, he must be like David, 
and slay his tens of thousands. His missionary 
trips became longer and more extended, reach- 
ing remote and destitute points. In 1846, the 
Sunday-school Missionary Association of the 
Second Presbyterian Church, Louisville, an 
auxiliary in the work of The American Sunday- 
School Union, pledged to pay him three hundred 
dollars for two hundred days' work, he bearing 
his own travelling expenses. As the result of 
these two hundred days' labor, he organized 
fifty new Sunday-schools, containing three thou- 
sand one hundred and seventy-four teachers and 
scholars. 

These schools were distributed in eight coun- 
ties of Kentucky, three of Indiana, and one of 
Illinois. In one year he organized ninety new 
schools, with a membership of six thousand 

now answers to the roll-call of his father's name, and stands 
in his father's place as his faithful successor in the society's 
southern work. — Editor. 



ON HORSEBACK. 61 

nine hundred and twenty-six persons. During 
his labors he organized schools in seventy-five 
counties in Kentucky, and also many schools 
through southern Indiana and Illinois. 

Nearly all the travel required to accomplish 
this work was done on horseback, and great 
hardships were endured. In speaking of it, he 
says, "I have often gone three months with 
one suit of clothes ; saddle-bags packed with 
shirts, collars, etc., and a few books, my main 
supply being sent ahead : so that on getting 
soaking wet, which was not an unusual occur- 
rence, I had to let my clothes dry on my back. 
I swam rivers and creeks, at the risk of my life, 
to reach an appointment." 

The years from 1841 to 1852, during which 
time he thus worked as a missionary for the so- 
ciety, are in some respects the most interesting 
portion of his life. In the chapters that are to 
follow, we will endeavor to glean a few sheaves 
from this great harvest-field of facts and adven- 
ture. It is sufficient now to say, in a general 
way, that his reputation as a Sunday-school 
preacher soon spread over Kentucky. When- 
ever he made an appointment, even though it 



62 ENTERS AS A REGULAR. 

was at a place he had never visited, there was 
sure to be a crowd. Those who opposed the 
work would come because they had heard that 
he was a "mighty interesting speaker, and was 
a great man for facts." Men, women and chil- 
dren came, some mothers bringing their babies. 
At one time he counted twenty babies lying 
asleep about the platform where he was speak- 
ing. 

His social intercourse with the people was as 
effective as his public addresses. He was re- 
ceived with great hospitality. After arriving 
at the house of his host, it was not long before 
he asked for the good book, to conduct family 
worship. He soon made friends with all the 
children, and learned their names, and delighted 
them with interesting stories. When it was 
known that he was to stop at a certain house, 
a number of the neighbors would find it con- 
venient to make a short call of several hours, 
" just to hear that man talk." During the long 
summer afternoons or far into the night, his 
little audience, with the colored people stand- 
ing at the door, listened with deep interest to 
his anecdotes. Nor were these mere talks, but, 



SERMONS IN THE HOMES. 63 

in fact, household sermons disguised to suit the 
capacity of his audiences. Many a spiritual 
truth was fixed in their memory with a thrill- 
ing fact. Sunday-schools, temperance, history 
and religion were the web and woof of his 
theme. In an adroit way, he dealt the prevail- 
ing vices of the community deadly strokes, and 
cheered and aroused God's people. 



CHAPTER IX. 

MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES. 

On one occasion he made an appointment to 
organize a Sunday-school at a district school- 
house in Union county. When he arrived, 
several hundred people were assembled in the 
yard. The windows were all nailed down hard 
and fast, and the door nailed up with heavy 
boards and spikes. Three big, rough-looking 
men came up and said, " Are you the Sunday- 
school man ?" 

"Yes, lam." 

"Well, we wish to ask you one question: 
do you propose to teach the Bible in your 
school?" 

" Most assuredly I do. Who ever heard of a 
Sunday-school without the Bible ? Where did 
you fellows come from ? The Bible is to be 
our text-book." 

"Well," they replied, "that is what the 
priest told us. He said you wanted the people 
to study that wicked book. We are Catholics, 

64 



POPERY. 65 

and we three are the trustees of this school, 
and we have nailed up the doors, and you shall 
never carry the Bible into that house." 

Mr. McCullagh was thoroughly indignant, 
and mounting a stump cried out, " Friends and 
fellow citizens, — ye who believe the Bible to 
be the word of God and the only hope of our 
republic, — hearken unto me. We are law-abid- 
ing citizens; let us leave the school grounds 
and adjourn to yon grove." 

The whole crowd followed him — the Cath- 
olics also going from curiosity. He there de- 
livered a magnetic and earnest address upon 
the history and aims of the Romish Church, 
illustrating its cruelty, bigotry and superstition. 
These points were all riveted with telling facts, 
which he had witnessed in Ireland and else- 
where. He showed that the tendency of Popery 
was to drag its people down to poverty and 
ignorance. Some of the Catholics attempted 
to interrupt him ; but so keen were his retorts 
that they soon kept still. 

To illustrate one of his points he said, " They 
have a legend in Europe that a man went to 
sleep in the days of the Reformation, and that 



66 MISSIONAE Y EXPERIENCES. 

he slept for more than two hundred years. He 
awoke a short time ago and commenced visiting 
different countries. He went to Protestant Eng- 
land and Scotland and Prussia. The changes 
were so great that he believed he had waked 
up on another planet. Railroads, telegraphs, 
steamboats, trade and commerce, schools, col- 
leges and manufactories were found on every 
side. ' This cannot be the same world/ he said. 
He then went to Spain and Italy. ' Yes, in- 
deed, I am in the same world. This is old 
Spain, just as I left her two hundred years 
ago : no enterprise ; everything dead ; eighty 
per cent, of the people can neither read nor 
write. The same old Romish Church still has 
full sway. This is old Italy, where the pope 
has been ruler for a thousand years. Seventy- 
three per cent, of the people cannot read ; and 
this glorious land is swarming with beggars/ 
Ah, my friends, what is it that makes the dif- 
ference in these countries ?" 

" It is the Bible," the crowd shouted. 

" Yet," cried he, " this same old man of the 
Tiber is at work in this country. Look at that 
school-house door nailed up to keep out the 



CLAW-HAMMER SCHOOL. 67 

Bible. By the grace of God, and with the 
help of intelligent American citizens, I purpose 
to organize a Sunday-school in this grove to- 
day that shall act as a claw-hammer to draw 
out those nails of ignorance and superstition." 

The school was started, and at the election 
which was held shortly after, the three Cath- 
olic trustees were defeated and three Protestant 
trustees elected. This " claw-hammer" Sun- 
day-school pulled out the nails, and the Bible 
went into the school-house. 

The circulation of religious books he regarded 
as one of the most important features of the 
work. He was accustomed to say, " Who can 
estimate the power and influence of a good 
book? When the living minister delivers a 
gospel sermon to a few hundred people, he 
uses the means ordained of God for their con- 
version. Then let him commit the thoughts 
and arguments which God has blessed, to the 
printer, and by their multiplication through 
the press he becomes the preacher of a thou- 
sand sermons. On the day of Pentecost three 
thousand were converted by Peter's spoken 
sermon ; but who shall tell us of the tens of 



68 MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES. 

thousands who have been blessed by reading 
the printed report of that remarkable dis- 
course ?" 

It was McCullagh's object to induce his 
Sunday-schools to purchase good books to the 
extent of their ability. These he supplemented 
by donations from the society. He also scat- 
tered books and papers by the wayside and in 
the homes he visited. The following will illus- 
trate what some of these books accomplished : 

The Books in the Furrow. — When riding along 
Highland Creek, he suddenly came to a clear- 
ing, and saw a man plowing in the field. The 
man was cursing his mules at a terrible rate. 
Mr. McCullagh perceived he was half drunk, 
and looking in his saddle-bags found two books 
published by the society — " The Drama of 
Drunkenness" and " Ralph Moore, the Profane 
Boy." The plowman soon went around the 
hill with his team. McCullagh dismounted 
and ran to the furrow in which the plow should 
come in the round. He opened the books, 
placed them in the furrow, and then ran hastily 
back and concealed himself behind a tree to see 
what would happen. 



BOOKS IN THE FURROW. 69 

When the mules came near the books they 
stopped and snorted and jumped to one side. 
The man again swore at them, but soon went 
around to see what had frightened them. 

" Two books !" said he with a rough excla- 
mation. " How did they get here ?" He looked 
around in every direction, but could see no 
one ; then stood gazing up into the sky to see 
if they had dropped down from there. Finally 
he sat down on the beam of his plow to look 
at the pictures, and commenced to read the 
books. The missionary withdrew unperceived, 
wondering what would be the result of this 
arrow from a bow drawn at a venture. 

About a year after this occurrence he organ- 
ized a Sunday-school within three miles of this 
place. When the library was opened, a man 
came forward and looking into one of the books 
saw the name of the American Sunday-School 
Union, and asked, "Mr. McCullagh, did you 
pass along Highland Creek about a year ago ? 
If so, you must go home with me; I have 
something to show you." 

On reaching the house he brought out the two 
books, saying, "Did you ever see these before ?" 



70 MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES. 

He replied, "Yes." 

" Well, sir," said Uncle Ben, " I have lost a 
heap by reading them." 

Mr. McCullagh inquired, "What did you 
lose?" 

He replied, " On reading these two books, I 
took an oath on my knees in that furrow, that 
I would never taste a drop of liquor while I 
lived. I then had a very bad name, a very 
red face, a bad habit of swearing, an aching 
head, a heavy heart, a guilty conscience, and a 
drunkard's home. Now I have lost every one 
of them. I have gained something too, thank 
God. I now have a good name and a happy 
home ; but better than all, my wife, our two 
daughters and myself have all found the Pearl 
of great price. It was that verse in the story 
of Ralph Moore, ' The blood of Jesus Christ 
. . . cleanseth us from all sin,' which brought 
us all to the cross." 

Uncle Ben became an active member of the 
church and the superintendent of two Sabbath- 
schools. 



CHAPTER X. 

MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES CONTINUED. 

The Travellers Rest. — On one of his mission- 
ary trips, he visited Richmond, Ky., and held 
a Sunday-school meeting, in which he told them 
of his work in the mountains. At the close, a 
collection was taken up, and only fifteen dollars 
was received. 

The pastor of the Presbyterian church arose 
and said, " Ten times this amount should be 
given to this cause. I am going to give this 
brother ten dollars myself to help start a Sun- 
day-school in Clay county. Last year I was 
directed by the presbytery to go there and 
preach. The appointment was duly made, and 
after a long and fatiguing ride I reached it, and 
found that I had an audience of three persons, 
two ladies and one child. On inquiring where 
all the men and boys spent their Sabbaths, I 
was informed that they were at a tavern called 
' The Travellers' Rest,' where they were drink- 
ing and engaging in various sports. I could do 

71 



72 MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES CONTINUED. 

nothing there. I desire this brother to try the 
Sunday-school method of reform in that place." 

Mr. McCullagh started for this hard field, 
and went straight to The Travellers' Rest and 
had his horse put up. The landlord said, " So, 
you are the preacher; going to preach here 
next Sunday?" 

"Yes, and organize a Sunday-school," Mr. 
McCullagh replied. 

"All right," said the landlord; "I will see 
that you have a big crowd. You are not one 
of those stuck-up fellows that come around oc- 
casionally. I will send out all my chaps and 
drum you up a crowd." 

On Sunday the house was filled, and McCul- 
lagh made his address. Toward the close he 
said, " I understand that you already have a 
Sunday-school in this place ; but it is the wrong 
kind. The men and boys attend school at 
' The Travellers' Rest,' and there they learn to 
drink, gamble, swear and fight. 

" The kind of Sunday-school that I propose 
to start graduates its scholars as upright Chris- 
tian men into the Church of God. ' The Trav- 
ellers' Rest' sends out its graduates also. A 



TRAVELLERS' REST. 73 

short time ago, two young men, convicted for 
murder, were sent to the penitentiary for seven 
years. This murder was committed at ' The 
Travellers' Rest/ and the man who sold them 
liquor is guilty as a partaker in the crime ; he 
is in this house to-day." 

The mothers of these two boys were sitting 
just in front of him, and were sobbing aloud. 
The landlord of "The Travellers' Rest" was 
but a few steps from him. Mr. McCullagh 
turned suddenly toward him and said, "You 
are the man who has robbed these mothers of 
their sons. You are the man who is carrying 
on this carnival of vice and crime, desecrating 
God's holy day, and making criminals of the 
men and boys of this place. These are your 
graduates ; some are now in the state prison. 
Look at your work !" 

Then a man suddenly cried out, "Move him." 
And the cry became general, " Move him." 
Mr. McCullagh was puzzled to know which one 
they intended to move, the landlord or himself. 
The landlord, however, was not in doubt; so 
he seized his hat and rushed out. Many fol- 
lowed him, and warned him to make his ar- 



74 MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES CONTINUED. 

rangements to leave the place or he would be 
severely dealt with. He accordingly left. 

Mr. McCullagh, continuing his address, said, 
• I have learned things about the sad case of 
these two boys in prison, which, if they were 
known by the governor of the state, I believe 
would lead him to pardon them. If you will get 
up a petition stating these mitigating circum- 
stances, I will go to Frankfort before long and 
will present it to Governor Powell, who is my 
friend and neighbor, and I hope we may be able 
to restore those boys to their homes. We will 
start our Sunday-school by trying to undo the 
sad work of 'The Travellers' Rest.'" 

A good school was organized, and a few 
months afterward the governor pardoned the 
two boys. 

Fitting Appointments., — During forty years' 
work he failed but once to fill an appointment. 
This was as late as 1883, when he started in 
good time for Wheeling, West Va. He spent 
the Sabbath in Louisville, and addressed several 
schools. That evening he was taken danger- 
ously ill. The physician advised him to return 
home as soon as possible, which he did; and 



WHITE LICK SCHOOL. 75 

for three days and nights his family thought he 
would cross over the river of death, and rest 
under the trees. He was very sick for several 
months. 

In speaking of filling appointments, he says, 
" The importance of punctuality cannot be over- 
rated. Allow me to give an illustration : 

"White Lick School — On a bright, sunny 
Sabbath, many years ago, I organized a Sab- 
bath-school at the Richland meeting-house, in 
southern Kentucky. I had an appointment for 
another meeting that afternoon at three o'clock, 
at White Lick, about fifteen miles from Rich- 
land. Although I received sundry pressing 
invitations in accordance with the old-fashioned 
genuine hospitality so universal in Kentucky, 
6 Come home and stay with us,' yet I declined, 
fearing that I might not reach the Lick in time; 
and snatching a hasty snack from my saddle- 
bags, started for the timber, our good brother 
E., an old Sunday-school worker, having kind- 
ly offered to guide the missionary through the 
trackless woods. So away we went at the 
double-quick, in single file, over logs, through 
brush and swamps swarming with reptiles. 



76 MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES CONTINUED. 

" Suddenly the air began to darken ; a curious 
cloud was seen in the west. My guide ex- 
claimed, ' I do believe a tornado is coming this 
way, and if we are caught in the timber we 
may be crushed to death. We must ride for 
life! Our horses seemed to know that danger 
was near, and dashed ahead at a fearful rate, 
but we were soon compelled to stop and take 
shelter in a rough cabin, erected by hunters a 
few months before. Yes, there it comes with 
deafening peals of thunder. How grand ! how 
fearful ! how terrific ! how it sweeps and levels 
the forest ! The giant oak of a century is torn 
and twisted as if it were a sapling. 

1 He plants his footsteps in the sea, 
And rides upon the storm.' 

But the cabin under the cliff was a safe hiding- 
place for us. ' Well, we have been miraculous- 
ly protected,' said the brother, 'and so will 
every poor sinner be secure who takes refuge 
under the shadow of the " Rock of Ages." 

"After getting through the fallen timber, my 
good friend remarked, ' Well now, let us take 
the back track for it/ ' What is that for ?' I 



STORM IN THE FOREST 77 

inquired. ' Because we can't get to the Lick 
before six o'clock, and the congregation won't 
wait three hours for us, I know.' 'Well, 
Brother E., that may be all true, but I'm going 
on there anyhow.' Forward, march ! and away 
we went at a gallop. What a grand sight we 
saw on our arrival ! We found a crowd still 
waiting and watching for the preacher. We had 
a very precious meeting, and organized a Sab- 
bath-school. After the benediction, my guide 
inquired of the superintendent, ' How on earth 
did you all come to wait so long for us ?' 
6 Well, brother,' he replied, ' I was at M.'s last 
week, and inquired of friend W. if he thought 
the Sunday-school man would come all the way 
down to the Lick. "Yes," said brother W. ; 
" don't be uneasy about that ; the old war-horse 
will be there, even if he has to swim Trade- 
water." We saw the storm passing round to- 
ward Richland, and some of the sugar and salt 
ones suggested we had better go home ; but on 
hearing what Wilkins said of the old chap's 
punctuality, they determined to wait on even 
until dark.' A large working church was the 
result of filling that appointment" 



CHAPTER XI. 

INCIDENTS OF THE WORK. 

A common difficulty in this mission work was 
to find suitable officers for the schools when 
they were organized. When the right man was 
found, Mr. McCullagh would take no excuse. 
The following will illustrate his persistence : 

Bright Light. — While organizing the "Bright 
Light" Sunday-school in Union county, he was 
describing the duties and qualifications of the 
person whom they should elect superintendent. 
Before the vote was taken, an elderly gentle- 
man arose and said : 

"Whoever you elect superintendent may just 
as well accept at once, for the old missionary 
will never let him off. He came to my place 
twenty-nine years ago and asked me to super- 
intend a Sunday-school at the coal mines. I 
told him, 'No, I could not do it;' but he talked 
on and on. Whenever I got a chance to put in 
a word, I said, ' No ; I can't.' But he kept on 
talking until after midnight. 

78 



BRIGHT-LIGHT SCHOOL. 79 

" When I showed him up to his room, I said 
to myself, ' Well, young man, I am safe now ; 
for I will be off to Morganfield before you are 
up.' But, lo and behold, I found him cutting 
wood early in the morning. I told him I was 
on the grand jury, and had to be in Morganfield 
by ten o'clock. He replied, ' Very well, I will 
ride part of the way with you.' 

" After starting, he commenced his old talk, 
and I continued to say, 'No; I can't.' On 
reaching the big flat, which was a mile wide 
and covered with water nearly deep enough to 
swim a horse, I said, ' This will stop him sure;' 
but he plunged right in and followed me to the 
other side. When we reached dry land, I said, 
6 1 see that you are in blood earnest, and I will 
have to do the best I can for that school.' He 
grasped my hand in both of his, and exclaimed, 
6 May God bless you, Brother Johnston ! I 
must now go to Caseyville, where I have an 
appointment for to-night. This is twenty miles 
out of my way, but I would have followed you 
for a hundred miles, until I had your consent 
to superintend that school.' I tell you, my 
friends, there is no dodging that brother." 



80 INCIDENTS OF THE WORK. 

The moment he sat down, a gentleman moved 
that Esquire Johnston be elected superintend- 
ent of the " Bright Light" Sunday-school, 
which was carried by acclamation. He arose 
and said, " Well, the old missionary has flanked 
me again, and I may just as well surrender." 

Archie and the Testament. — Mr. McCullagh 
organized a Sunday-school on Buckhorn Creek, 
in one of our mountain counties. The next 
day, when riding about three miles from there, 
he saw a ragged boy, about twelve years of age, 
chopping wood by the road-side. 

The pony stopped at the sight of the child, 
and the following interview took place : 

" Where do you live ?" 

" Half a mile up the road, stranger." 

" What is your name ?" 

" My name is Archie." 

" Have you any sisters or brothers ?" 

"Yes, sir; I have three sisters and two 
brothers. I had a little brother Bennie, but he 
died not long ago ; and they dug a deep hole 
and put poor little brother down in that dark 
place." 

" Have you a day-school here ?" 



ARCHIE AND THE TESTAMENT. 81 

"No, sir." 

"Any Sunday-school?" 

"No, sir." 

" Would you like to have a book that tells 
about a happy world up yonder, where people 
will never die any more ?" 

" That I would, sir." 

" Well, here it is," said the missionary, pull- 
ing out a little Testament. " Sit down, Archie, 
and let me tell you about it." 

They sat down on the log, and the mount- 
ain-boy drank in every word Mr. McCullagh 
told him of Christ, heaven and eternal life. 
The little fellow's heart was touched, and look- 
ing up, he said, "What is your name, Mr. 
stranger ?" 

On being told, he said, " I have heard tell 
of you before. You is the man what makes 
Sunday-schools, ain't you ? I wish I knowed 
how to read this little book what tells about 
Jesus." 

" Well, my little man, if you will attend the 

Sunday-school near the bridge, on Buckhorn 

Creek, they will teach you." 

" When do it meet ?" he inquired. 
6 



82 INCIDENTS OF THE WORK. 

" Every Sunday morning at nine o'clock.'' 

" Well, I'll be thar, if I am alive ; and I will 
keep this little book just as long as I live." 

After a few more kind words, the missionary 
rode away. 

The next Sabbath, Archie started in search 
of the Sunday-school. After some time, he met 
a man who was hunting squirrels, and asked him, 

" Have you seen anything of a Sunday-school 
this way ?" 

u A what ? I don't know what you mean." 

" Well, I don't know exactly what it is my- 
self; but it is up near the bridge." 

" Oh, it is in the old school-house, I reckon. 
I saw people going in there." 

Archie hurried on, and met the superintend- 
ent at the door. 

" I want to learn how to read this book," 
said he, bringing out the Testament. 

"All right; walk in." 

After two years, Mr. McCullagh visited this 
place, and found that Archie, his father, mother, 
three sisters and two brothers were in the Sun- 
day-school, and also his neighbor Bentley and 
his family. 



LOST IN THE FOREST. 83 

Mr. B. gave an account of Archie's first in- 
terview, and their conversation in the woods, 
when he was hunting the Sunday-school. 

It was eight years before Mr. McCullagh 
again saw Archie. In the meantime the civil 
war was raging. One Sabbath afternoon he 
visited a hospital in one of our cities. In look- 
ing down along a long row of cots, he saw the 
stump of an arm beckoning him. As he drew 
near, the handsome face of a young man, chas- 
tened by suffering, greeted him. " I am Archie, 
Mr. McCullagh. I have had both of my arms 
shot off, and they tell me that owing to expos- 
ure, neglect and loss of blood, I cannot get 
well; but it will only be going home to die no 
more. How sweet are those words in that little 
Testament, ' I am the resurrection, and the life : 
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, 
yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth and 
believeth in me shall never die !' ' 

Lost in the Forest. — While travelling in one 
of our thinly-settled counties, McCullagh lost 
his way. Night was fast coming on, and he 
was in the midst of a vast forest. He resolved 
to cry for help, and shouted " Lost !" as loud 



84 INCIDENTS OF THE WORK. 

as he could. The sound rolled through the 
forest and died away in the distance ; but he 
continued to shout " Lost !" He heard a voice 
in the distance say " Lost !" " It is only an 
echo mocking me," he thought. He listened 
and heard the voice again crying "Lost !" " It 
is some one in the same condition that I am." 

The two continued to shout and to draw 
nearer. Soon a man on horseback came in 
sight. Mr. McCullagh inquired, "Who are 

you?" 

" Oh, praise the Lord ! I am a Methodist 
preacher," was the response. " Who are you ?" 

" Oh, praise the Lord ! I am a Sunday-school 
missionary, and a heap bigger man than you." 

This was responded to by a hearty laugh. 
They soon entered into serious conversation. 
It was decided that it would be dangerous to 
wander through the forest any longer that 
night, and they must camp out. 

"We Methodists always carry the fire with 
us," said the preacher, bringing out a piece of 
flint ; but after searching in vain, he declared 
that he had lost his steel. 

"Oh, if that is all you want," said Mr. 



LOST IN THE FOREST. 85 

McCullagh, "here it is," handing him his 
knife. " In union there is strength : what 
one lacks the other supplies. Here is a Pres- 
byterian knife to knock the fire out of a Meth- 
odist flint." 

A good fire was soon started, and the forest 
resounded with songs of praise. They whiled 
away the hours by genial conversation, in which 
Mr. McCullagh reminded his fellow, " You and 
I, brother, are but scouts, starting the watch- 
fires of the Redeemer's kingdom in dark places. 
We are all soldiers in the same army. The 
day is coming when Satan's kingdom shall fall, 
and it can only go down under the grand charge 
of God's united people, Jesus ■ himself leading 
the solid phalanx." 

" Bless the Lord ! that is so," said the Meth- 
dist, and commenced singing " Blest be the tie 
that binds." 



CHAPTER XII. 

FROM THE MISSIONARY'S NOTE-BOOK. 

There were few obstacles that deterred 
McCullagh in the prosecution of his work. 

He had an appointment at C to organize a 

school. Meeting with a friend who was famil- 
iar with the place, he was advised not to attempt 
it, as there was a distillery near by, and nothing 
good could be accomplished. Mr. McCullagh 
replied, " You are entirely wrong. Within the 
past week I saw a large meeting-house, the 
result of a Sunday-school which I organized 
in a dram-shop, in a town where there had 
not been a sermon preached in three years. I 
am not afraid to make an effort near a distil- 
lery, nor in one ; and when it is in full blast 
too, if an opportunity offered." 

He asked his friend to accompany him to 
the neighborhood. They found a crowd await- 
ing them, and his friend was greatly astonished 
to find the owner of the distillery present and 
voting to have the Sunday-school. 

86 



ALPHABETAEIANS. 87 

Alphabetarians. — In organizing a school in a 
very destitute locality, he said, " The children 
were growing up ignorant and vicious, irrelig- 
ious and profane. I visited every family in 
the neighborhood, and showed them the im- 
portance of having a Sunday-school and a good 
library. ' What good can books do us?' they 
replied; 'we cannot read.' I told them to 
learn to read. i Not old folks,' said they. I 
said, 'Yes; I recently organized a Sunday- 
school, where I entered twelve alphabetarians 
whose aggregate ages amounted to five hun- 
dred and eighty years.' * We are too poor to 
buy books, but you come next Sunday and 
make us a sarmon on these things.' 

" I found that two leading men were opposed 
to the effort. I understood they said that I 
only wanted to make a little money out of 
them, and that all so-called benevolent societies 
were just money-making machines. 

" During my address on the Sabbath I not- 
iced several weeping. I told them I knew 
they were not able to buy suitable books, but 
if they would all promise to come regularly, I 
would present them with a good library from a 



88 FROM THE MISSIONARY'S NOTE-BOOK. 

friend in New York. The opposers looked at 
each other in astonishment, < Will you accept 
the books on these terms?' 'Yes, and with 
ten thousand thanks ; and may God bless our 
New York friend.' " 

Rough Fare. — A missionary who travels al- 
most constantly in rural districts soon becomes 
a good judge in selecting suitable stopping- 
places for meals and lodging; but sometimes 
the keenest eye is deceived. 

In going on a long trip in a new district, Mr. 
McCullagh stopped at a nice-looking farm-house 
to see if he could get dinner. The lady said, 
" Our dinner is over, but I reckon I can get you 
something." The meal was soon ready, and con- 
sisted of cold boiled cabbage, sour buttermilk 
and corn bread. After eating, he said, " Madam, 
I wish to pay for my dinner ; how much is it ?" 

" You don't mean to pay for it ?" she said. 

" Certainly ; I am always ready to pay for 
what I get." 

" Why did you not tell me you meant to pay 
for your dinner ?" she exclaimed. " If you had 
said so, you could have had chicken, and pie, 
and coffee too." 



UNCLE BILLY. 89 

Uncle Billy and Parson Benton. — At one 
Sunday-school appointment, Parson Benton had 
previously given notice that he would attend 
and expose the whole scheme, and prove it to 
be a British consarn " from a to izzard." Sure 
enough, the parson spoke in opposition to the 
Sunday-school. He asserted most positively 
that Mr. McCullagh was a Britisher from Scot- 
land; Queen Victoria had sartinly sent him 
over to establish these schools all over the 
country, and in that way her majesty would 
have a strong claim on old Kentuck. " Keep 
out of this trap/' he exclaimed. " And as for 
the book larnin', it is wuss than useless. Who 
can preach longer than your humble sarvant ? 
and he never was in school but six days in his 
whole life. It costs too much to buy these 
purty books ; we is all too poor j times is too 
hard and money sca'ce." 

At the close of the parson's remarks, an old 
gentleman, called Uncle Billy, addressed him 
as follows : 

" Brother Benton, did you not hear Mr. 
McCullagh say a. kind friend in the East had 
paid for these books, and would give us this 



90 FROM THE MISSIONARY'S NOTE-BOOK. 

library ? Now don't that show there must be 
some good in the Sunday-school work ? 

" Now, friends, look here and listen to Uncle 
Billy. Which is the best friend to us — Mr. 
Benton, who sells our children and servants 
whisky by the dram on Sunday, although he 
says money is so scarce and we are so poor, or 
Mr. M., in the East, who offers us these beau- 
tiful books for nothing? Every one of them, 
it seems, teaches us how to make our way 
home to heaven when we die. Who is our 
best friend?" shouted Uncle Billy in tones of 
thunder. 

"Mr. M.!" "Mr. M.!" resounded from all 
parts of the house. 

Parson Benton walked out, and Uncle Billy 
said, "If he does not come back until he is 
asked, he will hear Gabriel's trumpet first ; so 
he may slide." 

The school was organized, and its influence 
became so strong that the parson had to close 
his Sunday doggery. He was also presented 
before the grand jury for running his trans- 
portation wagons on Sunday. 

Tommie Ewing. — Mr. McCullagh had an ap- 



TOMMIE EWING. 91 

pointment to start a school at a village on the 
Ohio river. Two days before he reached the 
place a distressing accident occurred. Two 
little boys and girls were riding in a skiff, 
when it was upset and they were drowned. 
Their sudden death made a deep impression 
on the hearts of the young and the old. In 
his address he referred to the sad event, and 
spoke of the uncertainty of life. He repeated 
this stanza several times, until the children all 
learned it : 

" My pulse is the clock of my life, 
It tells me the moments are flying ; 
It marks the departure of time, 
And shows me how fast I am dying." 

Just as he was starting away, a sunny-faced 
boy took him by the hand and said, " I thank 
you very much for your sermon ; it has done 
me good. I am determined to be ready when 
my time comes. Tell me some good books to 
read that will show me how to be a good boy." 
This the missionary did, and, not long after, 
he heard that Tommie Ewing had found Christ 
and was a member of the church. 

Nearly twenty years after this, Mr. McCul- 



92 FROM THE MISSIONARY'S NOTE-BOOK. 

lagh was on the cars near Chattanooga, Ten- 
nessee, when a gentleman came in, carrying a 
large bundle of books. In a conversation with 
him he learned that it was Thomas Ewing. 
The bundle contained Sunday-school books. 
He had not forgotten the stanza "My pulse 
is the clock of my life." 

Bill Knox and the Mill School. — " I went to 
one of the poorest, darkest points in the state 
to organize a school," he writes. "Having 
lost my way, I saw a boy, without hat or 
shoes, sitting on a fence. 

" ' My boy, what is your name ?' 

" ' Bill Knox/ replied he. 

" ' Can you tell me how far it is to Green's 
Mills ?' 

" ' Yes ; I reckon it's about three miles, but 
you can't find your way to it.' 

"'Why?' 

" i 'Cause there aren't any way to go.' 

" ' I am sorry, for it is ten o'clock now, and 
I have to be there by eleven.' 

" ' Are you the man what's going to make a 
Sunday-school to our mills ?' 

"'Yes.' 



BILL KNOX. 93 

"'Wait till I tell dad, then;' and he ran 
into the field calling, ' Ho, dad, here's a man 
what is going to have something to the mills — 
going to make a Sunday-school there. I specs 
we had better show him the way.' 

"'All right, Bill; me and the ole w*oman 
maybe'll be there too.' 

" Mr. Knox came to the fence, and the mis- 
sionary warmly accosted him : ' Mr. Knox, we 
are going to have a Sunday-school at the mills, 
and will be glad to have you come and bring 
your wife and children.' 

" ' All right ; we will be there.' 

" Bill and I started off, and got there ahead 
of them. There was seldom seen such a crowd. 
As soon as the school was organized, I invited 
any one who could not read, and wished to learn, 
to come up and take their places at my right. 
The first to come were old Knox and his wife ; 
then came Bill and his four sisters, not one of 
whom could read. This school prospered, and 
they now have a brick church. 

" Not long ago," adds the missionary, " a 
genteel-looking young man took me by the 
hand warmly and said, 'I have come thirty 



94 FROM THE MISSIONARY'S NOTE-BOOK. 

miles on a mule to see you, Mr. McCullagh, 
and now you don't know me.' 

" - Yes, it is a fact I do not know you ; but 
I can see so little of your face, I cannot be 
blamed : shaving does not seem to be in the 
fashion up here.' " 

The stranger said he was Bill Knox, who 
showed the missionary to Green's Mills ; that 
all of his family learned to read in that school, 
and that he was now superintendent of a large 
school in McClean county. 

The poor people among whom Mr. McCullagh 
worked were very grateful, and would some- 
times ask him, " Do you not expect some pay 
for that fine sermon ?" " Yes ; if you will all 
do as I tell you, that will be pay enough." 

Some, however, did not deem this sufficient. 
One man made him a rocking-chair, which 
lasted thirty-five years. Another said, u Your 
pony is broken down ; I have a good saddle- 
horse ; you must use him for six months, and 
let your pony rest." Others gave him butter, 
eggs, fowls and fruit. These he accepted, so 
as not to wound the warm and grateful hearts 
of those who offered them. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 95 

Distinguished Men. — Mr. McCullagh was not 
only brought into contact with the poor and 
ignorant, but also with some of the most dis- 
tinguished men in the country. He had among 
his personal friends governors of some of the 
states, presidents of railroad companies, of 
banks and colleges, judges of courts, and many 
of the most prominent ministers, of all denom- 
inations, in the United States. His acquaint- 
ance with President Andrew Jackson was of a 
very pleasant nature. He visited him at the 
Hermitage after " Old Hickory" had retired 
from public life. The ex-President gave him a 
letter of introduction to some personal friends. 
This letter was dated 

Hermitage, June 27, 1856. 
To William Donelson, Esq., Captain S. Donelson, and others of 
the neighborhood. 
Gentlemen : — This will be handed to you by the secre- 
tary of The American Sunday-School Union, Mr. John 
McCullagh, a gentleman highly recommended, etc. He will 
make knovn to you the object of his visit, 

Bespectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. Jackson. 

Hon. Alexander H. Stephens. — Mr. Stephens 
was one of the most remarkable and influential 



96 FROM THE MISSIONARY'S NOTE-BOOK. 

men in the South, on account of his great intel- 
lectual powers and the unblemished character 
of his private life. The story of his struggle 
against poverty and physical weakness, until 
he became one of the foremost men of his state, 
is a grand illustration of moral courage. He 
was a vice-president of The American Sunday- 
School Union, and just before his death had 
been arranging for the support of a missionary 
in the county in which he was born. 

Mr, McCullagh always received a cordial 
welcome at " Liberty Hall." The secret of 
this interest was that when a poor country boy 
Mr. Stephens entered a Union Sunday-school. 

In 1874 Mr. Stephens made an address to a 
large number of Sunday-school teachers and 
scholars who visited his grounds. Mr. Ste- 
phens stood on the east portico of his house, 
supported by his crutches, and described the 
influence of the Sunday-school upon his life as 
follows : 

" Never before have I addressed an audience, 
large or small, upon topics relating exclusively 
not to things of this life, but to that higher life 
which is to come after. 



STEPHENS AND POWER CREEK. 97 

" If I have not thus before spoken publicly 
upon such subjects, it has not been because I 
have not thought most intensely and pro- 
foundly upon them from my earliest youth. 
It is a source of high gratification for me to 
say to you all upon this occasion, and especially 
to these little boys, that the first awakening 
of such thoughts in my mind, as well as my 
first taste for general reading, was quickened 
and brought into active exercise in a Sunday- 
school. 

" It was at the old Power Creek log meet- 
ing-house, not five miles from this place, more 
than half a century ago, that I became a pupil 
in what was known as a Union Sunday-school. 
The day I entered it was a great epoch in my 
life. It was in the latter part of the summer ; 
and though but a small boy at the time, still I 
had to do such work on the farm as I was able 
to do during the week. This was picking cot- 
ton or peas, or going to mill, or other light 
work of like character. It was only at night, 
and by a pine-knot light, that I had any oppor- 
tunity to study the lessons assigned me ; and 
yet so deeply did I become interested in the 



98 FROM THE MISSIONARY'S NOTE-BOOK. 

questions of the Union Catechism [Questions] 
that two o'clock often found me poring over 
the chapters of the Bible set apart for the next 
Sunday's examination. To the impressions thus 
made I am indebted in no small degree for my 
whole future course in life, whether it has been 
for good or for evil. If in the midst of any 
evil that has marred that course there is any- 
thing good to be found, or anything worthy of 
imitation, then it is due to that Sunday-school, 
and to that great cause which you to-day cel- 
ebrate with inspiring mottoes, banners and 
music." 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE OPPOSITION LINE. 

In carrying on his work for The American 
Sunday-School Union, Mr. McCullagh met with 
great opposition. The following incidents illus- 
trate his tact and perseverance in, overcoming 
his opponents. He declares : 

"It was hard work to be a Sunday-school 
missionary years ago. Then my field included 
the ' Pocket/ in southern Indiana, ' Egypt/ in 
southern Illinois, and southwestern Kentucky. 
I found violent opposers among the followers 
of Robert Dale Owen — the Flat-heads, Hard- 
shells and Iron-jackets; indeed, all of them 
might be classed among the ' opposition line/ 
Of course the Bible-school was especially ob- 
noxious to all such characters. 

" At one time I was challenged by an eloquent 
advocate of woman suffrage, free-love theories, 
etc., to discuss sociology and the subject of 
Sunday-schools at a noted camp-ground. If I 
declined to meet him, he threatened to break 

99 



100 THE OPPOSITION LINE. 

up every Union school in my field. The chal- 
lenge was accepted, and the time fixed for the 
discussion. An immense crowd was in attend- 
ance. I found the doctor knew nothing what- 
ever about Sabbath-schools. As to his theory 
of sociology, it was a thoroughly-godless hu- 
manity, without any reverence for God, or 
truth to guide men and women in their con- 
duct toward each other. He argued that there 
are no settled facts nor principles of common 
sense; he made marriage a partnership, to 
continue just as long as the interests of the 
partners required — c business on business prin- 
ciples.' It was a rehash of Plato, Sir Thomas 
More and John Stuart Mill. He -made this 
hypothetical, that hypothetical, everything hyp- 
othetical. 

" In closing my reply I told the temperance 
story of Johnny Hawkins, famous in the old 
Washingtonian temperance times, and confessed 
to a sort of logical sympathy with old Csesar 
and his profound philosophy. It was the 
story of the negro debating society of Boston, 
in which old Csesar, recently escaped from the 
tobacco-patch and corn-field, encounters the 



JOHNNY HAWKINS. 101 

smaoth-tongued Augustus, long in the classic 
halls of Cambridge, on the question 'Do the 
works of art or the works of nature have the 
most attraction for the human mind?' The 
grand defence of Caesar against his voluble 
Cambridge opponent was the persistent refusal 
to allow his opponent's premises in the argu- 
ment. So, as Augustus attempted a sublime 
description of the Boston State-house as a 
work of art that had many an attraction for 
the human mind, Caesar called the gentleman 
to order, and demanded to know, 'Is not de 
Boston common de work ob nature, and dere- 
fore on our side ? Where will de gentleman 
find a place to set his grand state-house?' 
'But/ replies the indignant Augustus, 'will 
not de gentleman on de oder side, as de pro- 
fessors at Cambridge say, grant me de priv- 
ilege to hypothecate de premises? Will he 
not gib me no premises ?' ' I's got no prem- 
ises for myself/ responds the imperturbable 
Caesar, c since I left my cabin in old Virginny. 
Go to work and buy you a premises, if you 
want one/ ' De gentleman misunderstands de 
point/ replies the smooth-tongued Augustus. 



102 THE OPPOSITION LINE. 

6 1 means de premises to hypothecate de argu- 
ment. I's a right to hypothecate de premises, 
as, for instance, I say, Caesar, suppose you 
over dar at Coon's grocery, for de sake ob ar- 
gument.' c But, nigger, I warn't dar/ replies 
the imperturbable Caesar. 6 1 know you warn't 
dar/ replies the slick-tongued Augustus ; ' but, 
jist to hypothecate de argument, I say, sup- 
pose you over at Coon's grocery/ ' Nigger, I 
warn't dar/ was Caesar's dogged reply. 'I 
know, you fool, you warn't dar; but, as de 
professors at Cambridge say, we must hypoth- 
ecate de argument. Now I say, only to hy- 
pothecate de argument, suppose you over dar 
at Coon's grocery.' 'You may/ cries the in- 
dignant Caesar, < pot-cake, if you please, or 
pound-cake, or pan-cake, or hoe-cake, if you 
please ; but no man shall say dis nigger went 
to Coon's.' 

"When the doctor arose to reply, the ex- 
citement was intense. Every man, woman 
and child was on his or her feet in a moment, 
exclaiming in thunder tones, '\ warn't dar/ 
c I warn't dar.' I did my very best to quiet 
them so as to hear him out, but it was utterly 



COON'S GROCERY. 103 

impossible. 'No, sir/ they exclaimed; 'we 
have had enough, yes, a little too much, of such 
savage philosophy/ So the doctor picked up 
his hat and left in a hurry; when the pres- 
ident of the meeting remarked, 'Yes, he's 
gone, sure enough, and it's somewhat doubtful 
if he stops short of Pike's Peak.' 

"The organization of six new Sabbath- 
schools was the result of the discussion. That 
New Harmony humbug of the Owens is dead 
and buried; the Flat-heads are all gone, and 
the Hard-shells and Iron-jackets are few and 
far between." 

Uncle Johnny. — A Hard-shell preacher known 
as Uncle Johnny started an " opposition line." 
He charged that the missionary was a Britisher 
sent out by the government of old England to 
divide and ruin this country by establishing 
gospel-shops or Sunday-schools. I had organ- 
ized them all around his churches. These gos- 
pel fires spread in every direction and swept 
everything before them ; even his children and 
grandchildren deserted the "opposition line." 
This made him furious. He sent a challenge 
to debate " Sunday-schools and book-larning." 



104 THE OPPOSITION LINE. 

The challenge was accepted, the time fixed 
and the judges appointed. On reaching Big 
Creek, I found it over its banks and the bridge 
gone. I started up the creek, expecting to 
cross at Long's Mill, but found the water rush- 
ing over the dam like a young Niagara. Over- 
whelmed with sorrow and disappointment, I 
wept like a child at the very thought that 
Uncle Johnny would have such a grand tri- 
umph, and proclaim that he knew well enough 
that young chap wouldn't come to time. 

After a full and thorough examination of 
the mill-dam and its surroundings, and having 
duly considered the dangers to be encountered, 
I determined to cross, and selected the upper 
part of the dam, where the current was not so 
swift. It was absolutely necessary that I 
should cross then and there, or fail to reach 
the camp-ground in time for the meeting. 
After committing myself and my loved ones 
at home, and the dear cause that I loved so 
much, to the care and keeping of my mother's 
God, I said to my faithful pony, "Now, Charry, 
go ahead for a long swim." She went in with a 
rush, but got fastened to a sunken tree about 



UNCLE JOHNNY. 105 

the middle of the dam. In trying to get clear 
of it the tree began to move, and down, down 
we floated, fastened in its branches. The pony 
seemed to realize the danger, and after several 
tremendous efforts got clear. The tree soon 
floated over the dam, and we reached the shore 
in safety. 

A very large crow T d were on the camp-ground. 
According to the programme, I spoke the first 
half hour. When Uncle Johnny arose to reply 
I noticed he was greatly excited. He com- 
menced by saying, " My friends, when I left 
home I expected to make short work with this 
young chap and the gospel-shops ; but — but — 
but when Brother Thomas told me how the chap 
had crossed the mill-dam, and described the mi- 
raculous escape he had, I came to the conclusion 
that he is in dead earnest ; that he is honest, 
and is entitled to a martyr's crown ; that the 
cause is a good one, although I have often de- 
nounced him and The American Sunday-School 
Union, calling them a pair of black sheep, etc. ; 
but I was wrong, and take it all back." He 
then took my hand in both of his and ex- 
claimed, " I am mighty glad, my brother, that 



106 THE OPPOSITION LINE. 

you were not drowned, and may our Father in 
heaven bless you and the cause you so fear- 
lessly stand up for. I will never lay a feather 
in your way hereafter." 

Then a good Methodist sister shouted, 
" Thank the Lord ! I do believe Uncle Johnny 
has got religion ! Glory be to God !" and com- 
menced singing 

" Come, let us anew our journey pursue." 

Such singing, shouting, hand-shaking and re- 
joicing I have never heard nor witnessed. Per- 
haps I ought to add that the young missionary 
shouted and sang as loud as any Methodist on 
the camp-ground. A glorious revival of relig- 
ion followed. 

The Shady and the Sunny Side. — The mis- 
sionary organized a Sunday-school in a neigh- 
borhood called G- . Among the scholars 

enrolled were twelve sons from one family, and 
seven boys and their little sister from another. 
The school made a fine start, and the prospect 
was bright. 

A short time after, the missionary met a man, 
who addressed him in a very insulting man- 



SHADY SIDE. 107 

ner : " I would like to know who gave you the 
authority to take my twelve sons into your 
Sunday-school." 

" I had the best authority in the world ; it 
was done at the request of their mother." 

The man was very profane and abusive, and 
wound up his drunken tirade by saying, "I 
want you to understand, sir, that I am going 
to break up your old Sunday-school. Not one 
of my sons shall ever enter it again. Me and 
m y boys will open the opposition line next 
Sunday." 

He was true to his word, and on the next 
Sunday his house became the rendezvous for 
all the wicked people in the community. Liq- 
uor-drinking, gambling, dancing and all kinds 
of boisterous sports were the order of the day. 
This was kept up Sabbath after Sabbath ; and 
during the week the young people were invited 
to come to his house on Sunday and have a 
good time. The little Sunday-school, how- 
ever, continued to flourish in a quiet way. 

About twenty years after, McCullagh again 
visited that section. As he looked up the 
road, he saw a man who was very much intox- 



108 THE OPPOSITION LINE. 

icated riding toward him. The stranger could 
scarcely sit on his horse, and looked as though 
he would fall into the mud every moment. 
When he came up, his eyes were red and his 
face bloated. 

" How are you, Mr. McCullagh ? I haven't 
seen you for a Long time. Don't you know 
me?" 

" I think not." 

" What ! don't know me ?" he muttered in a 
thick, stammering tone. u Don't you remem- 
ber taking twelve boys into your Sunday- 
school years ago, and how the old man cussed 
you, and said he was going to start the ' oppo- 
sition line,' and took all of us boys out ?" He 
then began to curse and abuse his own father 
with fearful oaths. " Yes, the old man died a 
sot, and Bob is dead, and Sam, and George, 
and Will; all of the boys are in drunkards' 
graves. Mother died years ago of a broken 
heart, and you can see what I am. God bless 
you, old man; and I hope you will tell the 
people everywhere that the 'opposition line' 
don't pay." 

The Sunn?/ Side. — There is a bright side to 



DR. JOHN TODD. 109 

this sad story. We gave the dark side first. 
On entering the Sunday-school in a southern 
city, the superintendent grasped Mr. McCul- 
lagh's hand and continued to shake it until he 
thought the shaking would continue all day. 
" Very glad to see you, and I don't believe you 
remember me. I am one of the seven boys 

you enrolled in the Sunday-school at Gr . 

We are all workers in the Sunday-school now, 
and our sister is a faithful teacher." 

There is an interesting circumstance con- 
nected with this incident. In after years, 
when Mr. McCullagh was speaking in the New 
England states, the late Dr. John Todd ques- 
tioned the size of these two families. Twelve 
children in one family seemed almost incred- 
ible. On his return to Kentucky, Mr. McCul- 
lagh got a number of certificates, sworn to 
before state officers, not only from families 
who had twelve children, but from some hav- 
ing fourteen, some sixteen and some eighteen 
children. These certified statements he sent 
on to the Rev. Dr. Todd and his New England 
friends. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

CO-WORKERS. 

Enthusiastic about the Sunday-school work 
himself, McCullagh had the happy faculty of 
imparting his enthusiasm to others. The Sun- 
day-school children in Kentucky felt that they 
too must help on the good cause. The various 
ingenious methods which they adopted to earn 
money are suggestive. Some of them had their 
missionary hens, turkeys and ducks, which were 
sold and the money saved for Sunday-school 
work. The boys sawed wood, baled shingles, 
and worked in the garden; the girls sewed, 
made carpet-rags and knitted socks. 

Stuttering Willie. — One little girl in Hender- 
son county knitted a pair of socks and sold 
them. She gave Mr. McCullagh the money to 
buy a Bible for some poor child. Soon after, 
he visited southern Illinois and organized a 
Sunday-school. While he was enrolling their 
names, he noticed a little boy who seemed very 

modest and bashful. He asked for his name, 
no 



STUTTERING WILLIE. Ill 

The child seemed greatly embarrassed, and 
made several efforts to reply, but had an im- 
pediment in his speech ; it was a great effort 
for him to stammer out, " My name is Stutter- 
ing Willie." The other boys came around him 
and said, "Go home, Willie, and stay there 
until you can learn to talk." Willie was an 
orphan, and the boys imposed on him. The 
little fellow was deeply wounded by these 
cruel words, and was ready to cry. Mr. 
McCullagh put his hand on the boy's head 
and said, "No, indeed; Willie is coming to 
Sunday-school every Sunday." At the close 
of the meeting he showed them the Bible that 
the little girl in Kentucky had bought, and 
told them he was going to leave it with their 
superintendent to give to the scholar who made 
the greatest progress during the year. 

Three years after, he met the superintend- 
ent and asked him who received the Bible. 
" Why, that little orphan chap, i Stuttering 
Willie.' He is the smartest boy I ever saw, 
and has almost broken himself of stammer- 
ing." 

The sequel to this incident is interesting. 



112 CO-WORKERS. 

Many years after, Mr. McCullagh was travel- 
ling on the Mississippi river. On the boat he 
noticed a man watching him very closely. 
Finally he sat down, and the man came and 
promenaded up and down before him, and stead- 
ily watched him. At last the gentleman said, 
" I beg your pardon, sir, for my apparent rude- 
ness; but only at this moment am I certain 
that I know you. You are Mr. McCullagh, 
the Sunday-school man. I am the orphan boy 
whom they called ' Stuttering Willie.' Twen- 
ty-five years ago you placed your hand on my 
head and spoke kindly to me. That day was 
the turning-point in my life. I knew there 
was something in me, and determined that it 
should come out. I won the Bible you offered 
as a prize, and have it now in my travelling- 
bag. My business has prospered. I am now 
an officer in the church and a worker in the 
Sunday-school." 

Rebecca Thomas Ring.— When working down 
on the Cumberland river, Mr. McCullagh held a 
meeting to organize a school. After speaking 
of w T hat Christ has done for us, he then consid- 
ered what can we do for him. We can (1) 



REBECCA THOMAS' RING. 113 

speak for Jesus ; (2) sing for Jesus ; (3) work 
for Jesus ; (4) give for his cause. 

In speaking on the last point he said, " Many 
people have treasures laid away which they 
think are too precious to give even to the 
cause of Christ. They tell us that Martin 
Luther had a beautiful medal of Joachim, pre- 
sented to him by the Elector of Brandenburg, 
which he prized very highly, and had hidden 
it away in his chest. Not long after, an urgent 
appeal was made to Luther for funds to aid an 
important Christian enterprise. He lamented 
that he was penniless. He soon remembered, 
however, that he had ' Joachim' hid in his 
chest. ' How can I give that up ? What was 
Joachim made for, but to do good in the world V 
He then went to the chest and exclaimed, ' Come 
forth, Joachim ; why dost thou hide thyself? 
Dost thou not see how idle thou art ? Come 
out and make thyself useful.' He then took 
out the medal and sent it forth on its mission, 
and Luther was all the happier. Our treasure 
pays best when cast into the imperishable 
mould of a good deed." 

A collection was then taken up to purchase a 

8 



114 CO-WORKERS. 

% 

library for the school. The people were poor, 
and only a small amount was realized. When 
he was preparing to leave, Rebecca Thomas, a 
little girl, came up, and handing him a gold 
ring said, "Here is my Joachim. My -mother 
gave me this ring, and I prize it very much ; 
but I wish you to buy us some Sunday-school 
books with it." He reluctantly accepted it, 
and promised to return the next Sabbath and 
bring the books. 

During the week he met a Christian gentle- 
man and told him about the ring. "Well," 
said the old man, "that is too bad." Putting 
his hand in his pocket he took out a ten-dollar 
gold piece and said, "Here, Brother McCul- 
lagh, take this and buy the books for them, 
and when you return give back her ring to the 
little girl." 

When he returned, he saw Rebecca and 
handed her the ring: "Here is your ring, 
daughter ; the Lord has opened the way to get 
the books." 

She hung her head for a moment; then, 
with a brighter face, she looked up and said, 
" If my ring has gotten these books, and you 



E. J. HILL'S DOLLAR. 115 

still have it, I wish you to keep it and use it 
in the Sunday-school work. Maybe others 
will give something which they love, for the 
cause of Christ." She was firm in her refusal 
to take it. 

Mr. McCullagh showed this ring and the 
ten-dollar gold piece, giving the history con- 
nected with them, in many Sunday-schools 
which he afterwards visited. He estimated 
that they brought into the treasury of The 
American Sunday-School Union more than 
fourteen thousand dollars. The society now 
owns the ring.* It is an active missionary. 
What a glorious harvest shall follow this noble 
act of self-sacrifice ! 

Emma J. HilVs Dollar. — On his regular visits 
to Nashville, Tenn., Mr. McCullagh addressed 
the Sunday-school of the Second Presbyterian 
Church. A little girl in that school was deeply 
impressed with his facts showing what children 
could do. She was afterwards taken very sick, 
and when at the point of death desired to make 

* It is in the hands of the Rev. J. H. McCullagh, and its 
inspiring history is still stirring other hearts to make self- 
denying gifts to the Lord's work. — Editor. • 



116 CO'WOBKEBS. 

her will. u I wish to leave it all for Christ." 
She had but one gold dollar. It was given to 
Mr. A. Gr. Adams, superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school, and also a vice-president of The 
American Sunday-School Union. Mr. Adams 
took the dollar and attached it to a white card, 
and wrote on it, "Her legacy," "Her little all 
for Christ," " See that Jesus gets it all," and 
other beautiful expressions that she had used. 
He sent it to Mr. McCullagh. 

This beautiful and touching story has been 
told from one end of the land to the other, and 
its influence has been wonderful. Mr. McCul- 
lagh calculated that it had been the means of 
raising seventeen thousand dollars for the Sun- 
day-school work ; and the end is not yet. How 
precious is the assurance " their works do fol- 
low them"! 

Ida May Bowen. — On one of his visits to 
Albany, N. Y., a little girl named Ida May 
Bowen, nine years of age, heard one of his 
addresses in a Lutheran Sunday-school. She 
resolved to raise the money to start a Sunday- 
day-school. In the rear of their house was a 
little garden. She bought flower seeds and 



IDA MAY BOWEN. 117 

bulbous roots and planted them. When they 
blossomed, she made pretty little bouquets and 
sold them on the streets. 

One day she asked Mr. Erastus Corning to 
buy some of her flowers. He said, "Why, 
child, what are you selling flowers for ?" 

"To organize a Sabbath-school in the South," 
she replied. 

" What do you know about the South ?" 

" Mr. McCullagh has told us all about it." 

He bought all that she had, and paid several 
times her price for them. She did not find 
many such customers as Mr. Corning was, and 
it took a long time to sell fifteen dollars' worth. 
She finally raised that amount, and Mr. Mc- 
Cullagh organized a school in a very needy 
place in Crittenden county, Ky., and called it 
the Mayflower Sunday-school. 

The next three years she sold flowers and 
autumn leaves, and furnished the means to 
organize a school each year. When she was 
thirteen years of age she had organized four 
Mayflower schools, containing about four hun- 
dred members. 

We have seen Ida's historic little flower 



118 CO-WORKERS. 

garden ; it must have required great labor and 
skill to have produced such grand results. 

Miss Charlotte Sprague, daughter of the 
Rev. Dr. Sprague, pastor of the Second Pres- 
byterian Church, Albany, became interested 
in Mr. McCullagh's work. Although a con- 
firmed invalid for years, her needle and deft 
fingers were ever busy. Now in her chair, 
then half reclining on her couch, she was 
weaving her love for destitute children into 
the very fabric of her handiwork. 

At one time she held a fair in her father's 
house, for the sale of the beautiful articles she 
had made. The proceeds amounted to the 
handsome sum of two hundred dollars. Thus 
she worked on for years, until the summons 
came for her to rest from her labors and enter 
into the joy of her Lord. She earned enough 
money to organize some seventy Sunday- 
schools, containing about five thousand schol- 
ars. 

These schools, as might be expected, planted 
by such loving hands, and nurtured by con- 
stant prayers, have been remarkably blessed. 
Several churches have grown out of them. 



UNKNOWN FRIEND. 119 

One of these schools was started in a very 
destitute place, where there was neither a 
church, Sunday-school nor day-school. The 
old log school-house had become an utter ruin. 
The missionary helped with his own hands to 
make it habitable, and put in rough temporary 
seats. This school was soon after blessed with 
a revival, in which about one hundred were 
converted, and a church was organized. 

These heroic workers who, all unknown to 
fame, amid toil, pain and keenest suffering, 
take up daily and hourly burdens, and bear 
them for the good of others, for Jesus and his 
loved ones, shall be had in everlasting re- 
membrance. "Give her of the fruits of her 
hands : and let her own works praise her in 
the gates." 

Unknown Friend. — In 1880 Mr. McCullagh 
made an appeal for a missionary to labor in 
Virginia. This was responded to by a gentle- 
man in " The Old Dominion," with a contribu- 
tion of six hundred dollars, who signed his 
name as " Unknown Friend." The missionary 
was employed, and providentially located in 
the town where Unknown Friend resided. At 



120 C0-W0RKEBS. 

this time, neither Mr. McCullagh nor the mis- 
sionary knew who Unknown Friend w T as, or 
where he lived. 

A young minister was the missionary, and 
without being aware that he was working right 
under the eye of his patron, he commenced a 
vigorous Sunday-school campaign. 

Unknown Friend was a good Methodist 
brother, and had frequent conversations with 
the worker, and sometimes accompanied him 
in the work, but never gave a hint that he was 
supporting the missionary. In this way he 
thoroughly measured the man and the value 
of the work. In a short time he was so well 
pleased with his investment that he gave six 
hundred dollars more to employ another mis- 
sionary. Being a man with a family, such 
contributions could only be made with great 
personal sacrifice. But many of God's people 
have learned by experience that "it is more 
blessed to give than to receive." 

Many Sabbath-schools contributed nobly to 
the cause; among them are Bellefield Union 
School, Pittsburgh; School Street Sabbath- 
school, Allegheny; Madison Avenue Reformed 



HELPFUL SCHOOLS. 121 

School, Albany; Brown Memorial and West- 
minster schools, Baltimore. 

The foregoing instances are representatives 
of the great army of helpers throughout the 
country who co-operated with him in the 
blessed work. Many who were wealthy gave 
their hundreds and thousands, many who were 
poor giving small sums. They were scattered 
among all the churches ; Baptist, Congrega- 
tionalist, Dutch Reformed, Episcopal, Friends, 
Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian ; and many 
who could not be classed with any denomina- 
tion, gave from the impulse of philanthropy, 
believing that Bible instruction for neglected 
children was one of the best possible invest- 
ments. 



CHAPTER XVo 

THE FIELD WIDENS. 

In 1852 Mr. McCullagh's success in active 
missionary work was so marked that in addi- 
tion to this service, he was appointed to super- 
intend others. For ten long years he had 
stood solitary and alone, the only Sunday- 
school missionary in the great and growing 
commonwealth of Kentucky. He now visited 
the larger towns in the state, to awaken in- 
creased interest in the Sunday-school cause, 
and to collect funds to employ new missionaries, 
and train them for effective work. 

He made regular visits to Louisville, Lex- 
ington, Winchester, Bardstown, Frankfort, Dan- 
ville, Springfield, Nicholasville, Bloomfield, 
Midway, Shelbyville, Owensboro', Lebanon, 
Bowling Green and many other places. He 
received such liberal contributions that, in 
1856, he writes, " I now have twenty assistants 
planting the Sunday-school banner in destitute 
places." Other states were gradually added to 

122 



WITH THE MISSIONARIES. 123 

his care, until he had the supervision of the 
society's field work in the South. Being an 
excellent judge of human nature, he selected 
competent, consecrated men for the work. 
Some of these continued in the employ of the 
society for thirty years, being among its most 
successful missionaries. He visited them on 
their fields of labor, encouraged and assisted 
them. 

He gives the following illustrations of the 
nature of this work : 

" During the year 1878 I have visited my 
old field, where forty years ago we set up our 
banner. What progress has been made ! What 
a rich harvest has been and is still being 
reaped ! The orange tree, with its large ripe 
fruit, its advancing young fruit and its buds 
and blossoms on the same branches, is a fitting 
representation of what we have seen in our 
Bible schools. 

"I spent several weeks with Brothers H. 
and R. in the mountains of Kentucky. Our 
journey was really a triumphal march through 
a number of counties. The meetings were 
large and interesting, comprising all ages, from 



124 THE FIELD WIDENS. 

the little Sunday-school scholar to the old pa- 
triarch of ninety-one, all wanting to hear and 
learn more about Jesus and the great salvation. 
"I could not help noticing how, at every 
town and neighborhood, the people came out to 
greet our missionaries and grasp their hands, 
expressing joy and delight at seeing them once 
more, with such expressions and exclamations 
as, ' Our school is getting on finely ;' ' We 
have had a glorious revival ;' ' Our school has 
more than doubled since you were here last ;' 
\ Mighty glad to see you back again ;' ' We are 
all going nine miles to attend your meetings 
next Sunday at Fighting Creek.' " 

One of the missionaries in Kentucky wrote : 
" In August I accompanied Rev. John McCul- 
lagh, superintendent of our work in the South, 
on a mountain trip, which resulted in great 
profit to the good cause in that region. Our 
first stopping-place was at Livingston, Rock 
Castle county, Rock Castle river, where in 1872 
I planted a Sunday-school. It was casting 
bread upon the waters, which has been gath- 
ered after many days. The Spirit revealed 
his presence and power in our meeting there at 



IN KENTUCKY. 125 

night ; and about twenty professed their desire 
for salvation. We left the meeting in the 
hands of the brethren; and the final result 
was, seventy professed faith in Christ. Our 
next objective point was forty-five miles out in 
the mountains in Knox county, where we held 
meetings for a few days with the Fighting 
Creek Sunday-school. As the immediate re- 
sult nearly twenty professed like precious faith 
in Christ and asked to be organized into a 
church. Thus, in all our trip and labors we 
were blessed and made to rejoice in the success 
of the Lord's work. We are persuaded that 
the planting of Sunday-schools at these points 
was the beginning of those gracious seasons of 
revival and conversion — the result, under God, 
of the prayerful and faithful teaching and labor 
of those who had a heart and mind for the 
work." 

Having such a leader to help and encourage 
them, one who would be satisfied only with 
their best efforts, the results in the South, con- 
sidering the number of men employed, have 
been phenomenal in the religious history of our 
times. 



126 THE FIELD WIDENS. 

Getting Contributions. — In order to secure 
the funds necessary to extend the work, Mr. 
McCullagh made regular visits to Pittsburgh, 
Harrisburg, Albany (N. Y.), Louisville, Nash- 
ville, Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York, 
and tours through New England. In these 
cities his direct, forcible and earnest pleas in 
behalf of Sunday-school Union missions always 
won for the cause the sympathy and support 
of intelligent business men. He was ever 
warmly welcomed in the pulpit, on the plat- 
form and in the counting-house. Many large- 
hearted Christians, enlisted in giving to this 
work by his appeals, continued their hearty 
support year by year for more than forty years. 

In all these places he made many life-long 
friends. It would be a pleasure to give 
sketches of this noble band of contributors, 
many of whom have gone to their reward, but 
it would require a volume to contain even their 
names. These contributors he affectionately 
called " God's jewels," and ever held them in 
loving remembrance. 

As a collector of funds, he had but few equals. 
On one occasion he entered the office of a friend 



GETTING CONTRIBUTIONS. 127 

in Louisville. The clerk said, " Here is Mr. 
McCullagh." 

" All right/' responded the proprietor, hastily 
getting out his pocket-book ; " I am like Davy 
Crockett's coon ; I will come down without 
being smoked." 

A good old brother in Pittsburgh, who has 
since gone home to rest, said, " Will I give a 
contribution to the Sunday-school work ? In- 
deed I will. I never saw such a man as you, 
Brother McCullagh ; you could talk a bird off 
a bush to come and get into your hand." 

At one time the society directed him and 
one of their other agents to canvass a western 
city. The first day Mr. McCullagh was a few 
dollars behind his colleague in the amount col- 
lected, and the good brother was disposed to 
boast over his success. The next day Mr. 
McCullagh called on a gentleman who gave him 
one hundred dollars. That night, on compar- 
ing notes, his colleague was far behind; and 
seeing the subscription for one hundred dollars, 
he said, " I saw that gentleman yesterday and 
he only gave me thirty dollars, and to-day he 
gives you a hundred. I will not work against 



128 THE FIELD WIDENS. 

you. I leave on the next train, and you must 
finish the canvass." 

He was earnest, persistent and enthusiastic 
in collecting. Said a friend to him once, "I 
do not see how you stand this begging money. 
It is the hardest, most trying and disagreeable 
work in the world. People will get so they 
will shun you, as if you were a constable or 
a tax collector." 

" I do not beg for money," he replied. " I 
only state our cause, and leave it with their 
consciences to give or not. If the Lord's work 
needs money and his people have it, I only do 
my duty to him and them when I tell them of 
it. When I show that 'the Lord hath need 
of them/ they will respond." 

He often received contributions from persons 
who were not members of any church. These 
he called " Noah's carpenters ;" and he would 
sometimes say to them, " I am sorry to place 
you among Noah's carpenters." 

"We do not understand what you mean," 
they replied. 

" Well, Noah's carpenters helped to build 
the ark, but they would not go into it. The 



NOAH'S CARPENTERS. 129 

flood came, the ark floated off, and they were 
drowned. You are helping us to get people 
into the ark of safety, and you have not gone 
in yourself. Delay is dangerous. When I 
come back next year, I hope to hear a better 
account of you." 

This statement caused many of them to con- 
sider the " great question." This arrow at a 
venture, under the blessing of God, was the 
means of bringing one young man into the 
church, who became a vice-president of the so- 
ciety and noted for his benevolence. 

At the close of the war, when the southern 
states were impoverished and ruined, McCul- 
lagh's efforts for their relief were incessant. He 
visited old friends whom he had known in the 
days of affluence, and now found them in a piti- 
ful condition. We will not describe the sad 
state of things during those dark days ; words 
would fail us. His heart was stirred within him. 
He hastened North, and in the leading cities 
described what he had seen. The response 
was noble and Christ-like. The society was 
enabled to furnish books by the ten thousand 
volumes to a people who were heart-sick and 

9 



130 THE FIELD WIDENS. 

starving for the bread of life. The old regime 
had fallen; the relation of master and slave 
had ceased to exist. Four million of slaves 
were suddenly free, and a chaotic condition 
seemed likely to ensue. 

In this critical and dangerous period The 
American Sunday-School Union rendered most 
important service to our country. Indeed it 
is regarded by some as the fairest and most 
glorious page in her noble history. 






CHAPTER XVI. 

DURING THE WAR. 

Kentucky being a border state, and having 
soldiers from both armies constantly on her 
soil, the feeling of dread and suspense par- 
alyzed almost all interests. Mr. McCullagh 
went right along with his Sunday-school work 
as though peace was reigning. Though parti- 
san hate was, perhaps, more bitter in Kentucky 
than in any other state, his course was so wise 
that he had the cordial good will of both sides. 
His sense of security was sometimes a great 
danger to him, as the following will illustrate. 

He went to Danville, Ky., to visit his daugh- 
ter, who was attending the Caldwell Female 
Institute. Central Kentucky at that time was 
in terror on account of the extraordinary move- 
ments of General John Morgan. Danville was 
a strong Union town, and when it was known 
that Morgan was likely to capture the place, a 
number of Union men who had incurred the 
displeasure of the Confederates thought it wise 
to flee to Louisville for safety. 

131 



132 DURING THE WAR. 

While on his visit there, Morgan's men in 
large numbers got between Danville and Louis- 
ville, and all communication was cut off. Mr. 
McCullagh determined to start for Louisville, 
but his friends endeavored to dissuade him, 
saying that he could not get through the lines. 
Yet he would not stop on account of difficulties. 
There were several teachers in the Institute 
from New England, and on the morning he was 
to leave, they, and the friends of the Union 
men who had fled to Louisville, brought him 
about a hundred letters, which they asked him 
to mail when he reached Louisville. He took 
the letters, hired a conveyance, and started on 
his perilous journey. 

When he had gone about twenty miles, he 
saw a cloud of dust rising in the distance, and 
in a few moments about one hundred cavalry 
men came in sight. They dashed up and said, 
" Where are you going ?" 

" I am on my way to Louisville." 

" Where are you from ?" 

" I left Danville this morning." 

"What are you trying to get through our 
lines for?" 



THROUGH MORGAN'S LINES. 133 

" I have business in Louisville," 

" Have you a pass from General Morgan ?" 

"No, sir." 

" What have you in that valise ?" 

" I have shirts, handkerchiefs, some sermons 
and a few other things." 

" Empty it and we will see." 

As he was bending over to unlock the valise, 
Captain G. dashed up, and shaking hands cor- 
dially with him said, "How are you, Mr. 
McCullagh ? Still on your Sunday-school work 
in time of war ?" Turning to his men, he said, 
" Boys, this is old man McCullagh, the Sun- 
day-school preacher. You have no time to fool 
with him. He is all right. Forward, march;" 
and away they galloped. 

When he reached Louisville he met one of 
the Union refugees, and handed him some half 
dozen letters. 

" Mr. McCullagh, did you bring these letters 
from Danville through Morgan's lines ?" 

" Yes, sir ; and a big pile of them for people 
all through the North. I met a hundred sol- 
diers, and they wanted to see everything in 
my bag." 



134 DURING THE WAR. 

" What !" exclaimed the man, bursting into 
tears ; " if yon had opened that bag, they would 
have hanged you without delay. According to 
the rules of war you were a spy, and guilty of 
death. Spies receive no mercy." 

He replied, "Well, the good Lord saved me 
this time, and I will carry no more letters for 
anybody while this war lasts." 

His name was also a great protection for his 
missionaries. One of these was a strong Union 
man, and had a great horror of John Morgan. 
It so happened that the missionary rode a very 
fine horse, and in going to an appointment had 
to pass the Confederate outpost. The horse 
was too great a temptation for the soldiers, 
and straightway the missionary was carried 
under guard to General Morgan. 

A sharp colloquy followed. 

" Where are you going, sir ?" 

" To start a Sunday-school at Goose 
Creek." 

"A Sunday-school ! That is a likely story. 
You look like a Sunday-school man. They 
don't ride that kind of horse. Not much ! Got 
anything to show ?" 



MORGAN'S DECISION. 135 

"Yes, sir; here is my commission, signed 
by our secretary and countersigned by Rev. 
John McCullagh, superintendent." 

Morgan took the commission and read it 
slowly. " I don't know that other chap ; only 
old Mac; I know him. He is the prophet, 
apostle and high priest of Sunday-schools. I 
heard him when I was not knee-high to a duck. 
Can you sing ?" 

"Yes, sir." 

" Go at it then." 

With a slight tremor in his voice he began to 
sing Sunday-school songs. It was a picture for 
an artist. The missionary singing for dear life ; 
the rude surroundings of the camp and army; the 
officers sitting on their horses ; rough, hard men 
gathered in groups, leaning on their rifles. The 
charm of music and the power of association 
brought back home and fireside, Sunday-school 
and the memory of other days. Tears bedimmed 
the eyes of those strong men. Suddenly Mor- 
gan's voice rang out, " Boys, this man is all right. 
Old Mac picks out the right kind. Let him go." 

Mr. McCullagh went to Wheeling during the 
war, and told how the missionaries were al- 



136 DURING THE WAR. 

lowed to pass through the lines of both armies. 
Good old Dr. Weed, of blessed memory, sat in 
the pulpit with him, and exclaimed, " Thank 
God ! The American Sunday-School Union is 
the golden link that binds the North and the 
South together." 

Going North and South every year, McCul- 
lagh saw the trouble and sorrow that wrung the 
hearts of the people in those sad times. It was 
often his privilege to help those in distress. 

Blind Ben. — -In 1864, when travelling on a 
steamboat, he learned that a number of wound- 
ed soldiers were on board. He went below, 
and looking at the unfortunate men said, "Are 
there any of my old Sunday-school boys down 
here?" A young man replied, "Mr. M-cCul- 
lagh, come this way, please." 

He went to the soldier, and found that a 
handkerchief was tied over both eyes. " I am 
so glad to hear your voice once more. I knew 
it was you, Mr. McCullagh, the moment you 
spoke. I am Ben B. You entered my name 
in the Pleasant Grove School, in Davis county, 
Ky . Alas ! I am stone blind for life. A ball 
entered one of my eyes and destroyed the 



BLIND BEN 137 

other also. You must now call me Blind Ben. 
I remember your Sunday-school address well. 
You told us all to memorize the fifty-third 
chapter of Isaiah, the fifty-first Psalm, and the 
third chapter of the Gospel by John ; and you 
told us never to forget the sixteenth verse of 
that chapter, as it contained the substance of 
the whole Bible ; and that the fifty-first Psalm 
was about the best prayer ever written. Alas ! 
these sightless balls can never see you in this 
world ; but I hope to see you up yonder, where 
we shall all see the King in his beauty." 

Only two days before his death a gentleman 
from a distant city called to see him. He said, 
" I have not seen your father for twenty-five 
years. When I last saw him it was during the 
war, and I was in prison ; he came to see us, 
brought us a box of good books to read, and 
loaned us money. I shall never forget him." 

" Then shall the King say unto them on his 
right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, 
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the 
foundation of the world. ... I was sick, and 
ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came 
unto me." 



CHAPTER XVII. 

ADDRESSES. 

As superintendent of the Southern District, 
Mr. McCullagh's duties required him to make 
frequent tours throughout the country, to 
present the claims of The American Sunday- 
School Union. Of this branch of his work he 
wrote, " I have addressed Sunday-school anni- 
versaries and general Sunday-school meetings, 
from Charleston, South Carolina, to Bangor, 
Maine, and from Richmond to Minneapolis ; 
sometimes having from six to eight appoint- 
ments each Sabbath, and several during the 
week." 

On some of these tours he was accompanied 
by Stephen Paxson, Chidlaw and other vet- 
erans in the work. In Philadelphia, New 
York and other cities the largest churches 
were filled to hear them. Mr. McCullagh re- 
garded the story of Stephen Paxson's life as 
the most telling illustration of the society's 
work. 

138 



IN WASHINGTON. 139 

The pulpit and platform were Mr. McCul- 
lagh's throne. At the sight of a large audience 
his eye flashed, and he seemed like a war-horse 
impatient for the charge. At a meeting in 
Washington city, over which a judge of the 
Supreme Court presided, with the President 
of the United States and other distinguished 
officials on the platform, he manifested the 
same tact and adaptation that he used before a 
crowd of ignorant men in their shirt-sleeves, in 
the back woods of Kentucky. 

His addresses were filled with facts, which 
he brought out with great pathos and power. 
Possessing action in a high degree, his nerv- 
ous, clear-cut sentences attracted and held the 
attention of the most indifferent auditors. Some 
Sunday-schools he addressed regularly for more 
than forty years, and the day of his coming was 
hailed with pleasure by old and young. 

L. Milton Marsh, secretary of the society's 
work for New York, gives this instance : " The 
fruits of personal labors of our missionaries 
are not confined to distant fields. Some years 
since, our faithful co-laborer Rev. J. McCullagh 
gave a missionary address to one of the prom- 



140 ADDBESSES. 

inent churches of an adjoining city, which had 
given largely for our work. As the result, they 
were stirred up to organize a mission Sunday- 
school in their own town, which has been a 
great success, and the labor of sustaining it 
proved to be of great value to the life of the 
church. The two schools now have about two 
thousand five hundred members. One of the 
officers of the church school said, 'We are 
greatly indebted to The American Sunday- 
School Union for the impetus given to our 
church by Mr. McCullagh's stirring words.' ' 

Instead of giving any of his addresses in 
full, we present some extracts from them, from 
which a general idea of their character may be 
derived. On one occasion, after giving some 
pointed incidents from his missionary experi- 
ence, he said, " We are often asked, ' How can 
you account for such wonderful results ?' There 
are several reasons for it. The Sunday-school 
missionary, unlike many other Christian work- 
ers, leaves permanent organizations, self-sup- 
porting, self-conducting, self-instructing, that 
will live after he has left them, to confer on 
other neighborhoods similar blessings, as they 



BEASONS FOE THE RESULTS. 141 

often become the parents of other schools, the 
germs of evangelical churches and nurseries of 
heaven. 

" Again, we have no story to tell but the 
story of the cross. The motto and key-note 
of The American Sunday-School Union for 
half a century has been ' Jesus only.' There 
is in the Vatican gallery at Rome one of the 
grandest of all the creations of art — the famous 
painting of Raphael representing the transfig- 
uration on the mount. Two sets of figures are 
to be seen; the conception of that wonderful 
and almost inspired painter. One is the pros- 
trate disciples, the hovering figures of Moses 
and Elijah on the mountain-top amid a halo of 
glory ; while on the back-ground or plains below 
are the convulsed demoniac, the anxious father, 
the perplexed disciples and the sympathizing 
crowd. The other is the central figure of 
Christ, glowing with such transcendent radi- 
ance that all other forms are lost, so that we 
can see no man save Jesus only. The cross is 
the mightiest power in the universe. Jesus is 
the head of all things to his Church. For an- 
other year, and for another fifty years, shall 



142 ADDRESSES. 

we not in his name set up our banners, and 
take as our motto ' Jesus only'? 

' There is no name so sweet on earth, 
No name so sweet in heaven/ 

In his cross is the power that conquers and 
draws us together. 

" After the battle of Manassas, a Federal 
soldier lay mortally wounded. A Confederate 
came by, and the dying man asked him if he 
would pray for him. The answer was, ' I am 
sorry, I don't pray for myself; but I will move 
you to a more comfortable place, and bring 
you some water.' 

" Afterwards a Virginia cavalry man passed 
by. The dying soldier repeated his request 
and asked his enemy to make a prayer. The 
trooper said he would try. He knelt down by 
his side and began. As he prayed the wounded 
man drew closer and closer to him, and with 
his last remaining strength partially raised 
himself until his head touched the shoulder of 
the petitioner. When the prayer was ended, he 
was dead — dead with his head resting on the 
bosom of his late foe. The power of the cross 



UNION SCHOOLS OR NONE. 143 

made them one in Christ Jesus. I doubt not 
these two men will sing together the song of 
redeeming love. Even here on earth we feel 
it good to sing 

c Blest be the tie that binds 
Our hearts in Christian love/ 

«£» »J# <£* *3> %X* *¥» 

" All evangelical denominations are benefited 
and built up by our Union work: hence we 
have the sympathy and co-operation of all. At 
an annual meeting of one of the leading denom- 
inations of North Carolina, not long ago, a 
historical sketch was read, in which the follow- 
ing statement was made : ' Nearly all the great 
and good work accomplished in the bounds of 
this body in the cause of Sunday-schools is 
justly attributable to the efficient agency of 
The American Sunday-School Union.' 

" Again, in thousands of neighborhoods there 
must be Union schools or none. A correspond- 
ent writes, ' In thirteen counties lying west of 
the Blue Ridge there are five hundred Bible- 
schools, and more than four hundred of them 
are Union schools. This part of the country 



144 ADDRESSES. 

owes a great debt to The American Sunday- 
School Union/ " 

•1* *X* •!* *I* *t* +Z* 

•J» *J» #Ji •£» *£» vj» 

The Missionaries. — Describing its mission- 
aries and their work, he eloquently added : 
" What a wonderful regenerating power there 
is in Sabbath-school work ! Corey, Paxson, 
Chidlaw, Upson, Lewis, Legare and others are 
now beyond the fifties, yet they jenew their 
youth like the eagles; they run and are not 
weary, they walk and are not faint. I think 
they will all die young men, and then begin 
immortal youth. 

" What a long procession of Christians, pa- 
triots, heroes and statesmen will walk the 
narrow road from our Sabbath-schools, long 
after these veteran missionaries have unbuckled 
the sword of the conflict and gone home to 
rest! 

" 'Almost up, almost up !' was the cry of 
a wounded sergeant, as they laid him down 
on the battle-field, and watched tenderly his 
dying struggles. 

" ' Where did they hit you, sergeant ?' 

"' Almost up.' 



"ALMOST UP/" 145 

" ' No ! sergeant, but where did the ball 
strike you V 

u ' Almost up/ was the reply. 

" f But, sergeant, you do not understand ; 
where are you wounded f 

" Turning back the cloak which had been 
thrown over the wound, he showed the upper 
arm and shoulder, mashed and mangled with a 
shell. Looking at this wound, he said, c That 
is what did it. I was hugging the standard to 
my blouse, and making for the top. I was 
almost up, when that ugly shell knocked me 
over. If they had let me alone a little longer 
— two minutes longer — I should have planted 
the colors on the top. Almost up, almost up !' 

" The fight and the flag held all his thoughts. 
And while his ear was growing dull in death, 
with a flushed face and a look of ineffable re- 
gret he was repeating, c Almost up, almost up !' 

"Beloved comrades in the army of King 
Jesus, let this be our cry on the battle-field, 
and our joyful shout in death. 

•?.* •*• *% *1m *i* *•* 

•J» »J» *J» rji rj» #J* 

" Will you allow me to give you a fact from 

my field ? We often talk and think as if per- 
10 



146 ADDRESSES. 

secution and trials for Christ and his cause be- 
longed to a past age. Such, however, is not 
the case. 

"Let me tell you about Lucy L., the infi- 
del's daughter. Several years ago I addressed 
a Sunday-school in Kentucky that you had 
supplied with a library. My subject was the 
' Earthly House/ c whose foundation is in the 
dust' (Job 4 : 19). I spoke of the eyes as 
the windows, the mouth as the door, the ears 
as the side-doors, the hands as the keepers or 
servants, the conscience the watchman, the soul 
the inhabitant. I spoke of its great value from 
its great cost, ' For ye are bought with a price : 
therefore glorify God in your body, and in 
your spirit, which are God's' (1 Corinthians 
6 : 20), of self-consecration of eyes for Jesus, of 
mouth, tongue, hands, feet, soul and body — all 
for Christ. I spoke of the martyrs who would 
even die for Jesus. 

"At the close of the meeting a young lady 
came and whispered, ' I w 7 ill do it.' 

"'Do what?' I inquired. 

" ' Give all to Jesus. He gave himself for 
me.' 



THE INFIDEL'S DAUGHTER. 147 

"About two months after this it was whis- 
pered that the infidel's daughter was among 
the saints. A wonderful change in dress, in 
manner and even in countenance was noticed. 
As long as she attended the Sunday-school her 
father did not seem to care ; but when he heard 
that a church was about to be organized, and 
that his daughter was likely to cast in her lot 
with such ' poor trash/ as he called them, he 
raved and stormed like a madman. He was 
proud of his only daughter. She was the 
brightest gem in his handsome home. He 
called her into his study, and inquired about 
the whole matter. She frankly told him all. 
He exclaimed, in a passionate voice, 'Do I 
understand you to say that for these ignorant 
people you will give up everything? If so, 
you must give up either your home and your 
father, or your religion.' 

" She replied, 'I will give up all for Jesus.' 

" i Do you intend to join the church ?' he in- 
quired. 

" ' Yes, father.' 

" ' Well, it comes to this : you can give up 
him whom Voltaire called a 'wretch,' or me. 



148 ADDRESSES. 

Unless you give up this foolish idea, you can- 
not remain in my house ; and henceforth I am 
your father only in name/ 

"It is now Jesus, or father. There she 
stood, clothed with the mantle of a new and 
heavenly faith ; its light shining in her broken 
heart and playing over her pale face. With 
martyr-like firmness she said, ' Jesus.' 

" She gave up all for him, and took a little 
school as a means of support. A short time 
time afterward her step became slow, her form 
wasted, her eye hollow, and her cheek sunken. 
In a few months Lucy L. was on her death- 
bed. The day before she died she sent for her 
father. 

" He came ; but was cold, heartless, and as 
immovable as the rock of Gibraltar. 

" She said, c Father, I will soon have a home, 
a happy home, a heavenly home, where I will 
set a light in the window to guide you to the 
mansions of glory.' 

" The next day a few Christian friends gath- 
ered around her bed and sang, 

' Jesus, lover of my soul.' 



THE INFIDEL'S DAUGHTER. 149 

Her face was angelic, her language rapturous, 
and that log cabin was the gate of heaven. 
They then sang, 

1 Eock of ages ! cleft for me, 
Let me hide myself in thee.' 

At its close they heard one word — the last. 
It was Jesus. * Other than mortal eyes might 
have seen a chariot of glory come sweeping by, 
to bear Lucy L. to her heavenly home. Will 
the whole congregation please unite in singing 
those two precious stanzas : 

1 Eock of ages ! cleft for me, 
Let me hide myself in thee ; 
Let the water and the blood 
From thy wounded side that flowed, 
Be of sin the perfect cure ; 
Save me, Lord ! and make me pure. 

' While I draw this fleeting breath, 
When mine eyelids close in death, 
When I rise to worlds unknown, 
And behold thee on thy throne, 
Eock of ages ! cleft for me, 
Let me hide myself in thee.' 

*1* •!• *1* •£* *£* *&* 

*|» «y» wj» »J» •J» *J» 

" ' Oh, Sunday-school worker/ he continued, 
with feeling, as every eye was moistened, ' be 



150 ADDRESSES. 

faithful, be earnest, in this blessed cause. You 
know not what glorious results shall crown 
your labors/ 

" In one of our schools was a teacher named 
Mrs. Long, who taught the young mens Bible- 
class. This class was composed of thirteen 
young men. She not only taught faithfully, 
but prayed without ceasing for the conversion 
of her scholars. She became the honored in- 
strument in bringing twelve of them into the 
ark of safety. 

"'All in but one/ she said, and she con- 
tinued to pray for that one. 

" On a wet, disagreeable Sabbath morning, 
her husband remarked, i My dear, Clear Creek 
is over its banks, and I suspect the road is im- 
passable beyond the bridge ; so you can't go to 
Sunday-school to-day/ 

" She replied that she had not missed a 
single Sabbath in five years, and felt that she 
must go that day and see Dave Nelson, for she 
had been praying for him all the week. 

" She went and found her entire class pres- 
ent. When the school closed, Dave whis- 
pered, ' Please remain a little while ; I wish to 



DAVE NELSON. 151 

talk with you.' He said that he had joined 
the army, and his company were to leave for 
the front the next day. He asked her to pray 
for him. 

" She answered, i Dave, I have been praying 
for you all the week.' 

" In the conversation which followed she led 
him to Jesus the Lamb of God, which taketh 
away the sin of the world. In the ardor of 
his first love, he exclaimed, ' Jesus is indeed 
precious to me.' 

"A few months later Dave Nelson was lead- 
ing a charge in the bloody battle of Chicka- 
mauga, and fell mortally wounded. When the 
surgeon came around to care for the wound- 
ed, he examined Dave and said, ' We can't do 
anything for this poor boy; he will die in a 
little while.' 

" ' Yes, you can,' said the dying boy. ' Open 
my knapsack, and get out my books.' 

" They got out a little Bible and a copy of 
i The Great Question,' by Dr. H. A. Boardman, 
in which was written, c To David Nelson, from 
his Sunday-school teacher.' 

"He then gave them Mrs. Long's address, 



152 ADDRESSES. 

and requested them to send the books to her, 
and write her that by coming to Sunday-school 
that rainy Sunday she had led him to the 
cross ; and that Jesus, the dear Saviour, was 
with Dave Nelson in his sufferings. When he 
reached heaven he would be waiting at the 
gate for Mrs. Long, and would take her by the 
hand and bring her to Christ, and say, ' Pre- 
cious Saviour ! she brought me to thee. 

" Oh, workers for Jesus, think of the cordial 
welcome you shall have when you reach the 
land of glory ! 

1 They are waiting for our coming, 
Watching on the other shore ; 
Waiting to receive the ransomed, 
When the storms of life are o'er. 

t Watching by the shining portals 
Of our Father's mansion fair ; 
They will strike their harps of glory ! 
They will bid us welcome there.' " 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

Mr. McCullagh was of medium height, 
somewhat stout in frame, with strong, prom- 
inent features, and well-balanced mental and 
vital temperament in his constitution. We do 
not represent him as a perfect man. He was 
intense, earnest, and possessed the faults usual- 
ly found in good people of this composition. 
Whatever his hands found to do he did with 
his might; his zeal rendered him impatient 
when confronted by delays and obstacles, and 
only increased his determination to overcome 
the difficulties. There were but few things 
which he took for granted, except intuitive 
truths, mathematical demonstrations, and the 
word of God. 

He would not sign his name to any paper 
until he had carefully read every word. He 
believed strongly in the corrupting power of 
sin in the human heart, and from the many sad 
illustrations which he had seen of its power, he 

153 



154 PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

hesitated to put confidence in untried persons ; 
but when he was once convinced that a man 
was true and honorable, it mattered not what 
disasters should befall him, or how thick cal- 
umnies and evil report gathered around the 
once fair name, he never deserted a friend in 
misfortune or even in disgrace. We will enu- 
merate a few of the leading points of his char- 
acter, and in this way may be able to disclose 
the secret of his success ; so that some of his 
young friends may be benefited in cultivating 
and imitating these qualities. 

I. STRONG RELIGIOUS CONVICTIONS. 

It was contrary to his nature to do anything 
by halves. Whatever he thought worth doing, 
he spared neither pains nor labor to do thor- 
oughly. This principle w 7 as carried into his 
religious life. 

After thorough examination of the Bible, he 
was convinced that it was the inspired word 
of God ; and its precepts demanded as implicit 
obedience and respect as an audible command 
from Jehovah. He believed the great body of 
theology, as held by orthodox evangelical Chris- 



HIS COVENANT. 155 

tians, to be as true and permanent as the law 
of gravitation and the axioms in geometry. 
When he realized that he was a sinner, both 
by nature and continued transgression, and saw 
the mercy and love of God manifested in the 
death of Christ, he confessed his sins, accepted 
the offer of pardon, and consecrated his life, 
his all, to the God of mercy and love. 

In witness of this great transaction, he wrote 
a document entitled "A Form of my Covenant 
with God," and put it away among his private 
papers, where it was found after his death. 
This covenant is long and solemn. It was re- 
peatedly renewed through life. Some of the 
dates of renewal are January, 1833, June, 
1838, January, 1841. 

We give some extracts from it : 

"Eternal and unchangeable Jehovah, the 
great Creator of heaven and earth, and ador- 
able Lord of angels and men, I desire, with 
deepest humiliation and abasement of soul, to 
fall at this time in thine awful presence, and 
earnestly pray that thou wouldst penetrate my 
very heart with a suitable sense of thine un- 
utterable glories. Trembling may justly take 



156 PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

hold upon me when I a sinner presume to lift 
up my head to thee ; presume to appear in thy 
presence on such an occasion as this. Who am 
I, Lord God, or what is my father's house, 
that I should speak of this, and desire that I 
may be one party in a covenant, when thou, 
the King of kings, art the other ! 

"But, Lord, great as is thy majesty, so great 
also is thy mercy. If thou wilt hold covenant 
with any of thy creatures, thine exalted nature 
must stoop infinitely low. I know that through 
Jesus, the Son of thy love, thou condescend- 
est to visit sinful mortals. I come therefore, 
through thy Son, and trusting in his righteous- 
ness. I acknowledge I have been a great 
transgressor. My sins have reached unto the 
heavens. God, be merciful to me a sinner. 
Remember not against me my transgressions. 
I bring back to thee those powers and faculties 
which I have alienated from thy service. Re- 
ceive, I beseech thee, thy poor revolted crea- 
ture. 

"With the utmost solemnity I make this 
surrender of myself to thee. Hear, heavens, 
and give ear, earth : I avouch the Lord this 



HIS COVENANT. 157 

day to be my God ; I avouch and declare my- 
self this day to be one of his covenant chil- 
dren. Hear, Lord, and record it in the book 
of thy remembrance that henceforth I am en- 
tirely thine. I would not merely dedicate unto 
thee some of my powers or some of my pos- 
sessions, or all of that I have for a certain 
time 5 but I would be thine, wholly thine, for- 
ever. 

" Trusting in thy name and grace, I bid de- 
fiance to sin and the power of hell. I desire 
to spend the remainder of my days in the way 
that shall effectually promote thy honor and 
glory. I leave, Lord, to thy management 
and direction all I possess and all I wish, to be 
disposed of as thou desirest; contentedly re- 
solving to submit my will to thine. Use me, 

Lord, as the instrument of thy glory and 
honor, and for the benefit of the world in which 

1 dwell. 

" Grant that, through life and in my dying 
moments and in the near prospect of eternity, 
I may remember these my engagements with 
thee, and may employ my latest breath in thy 
service. And do thou, Lord, when thou seest 



158 PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

the agonies of dissolving nature upon me, re- 
member this covenant too, even though I may 
be incapable of recollecting it. 

" Heavenly Father, look with pitying eye 
upon me ; place thine everlasting arms under- 
neath me for support ; put strength and confi- 
dence into my departing spirit, and receive me 
into the embrace of thy love. 

" When I am numbered with the dead, if this 
memorial should chance to fall into the hands 
of any surviving friends, may it be the means 
of making serious impressions on their minds. 
May they read it not only as my language but 
as their own, and learn to love and fear the 
Lord God." 

It may be well to observe here that all of 
the prayers which stood recorded in this doc- 
ument for more than half a century were an- 
swered. He was used as the honored instru- 
ment in bringing many to Christ. His latest 
breath was spent in prayer. The everlasting 
arms were around him. He passed away from 
earth to heaven without pain or sickness. The 
principles expressed in this covenant governed 
his Christian life. He was a diligent student 



DISLIKE OF SECTARIANISM. 159 

of the Bible all his life, and read it regularly 
in private and in family devotions. 

While he firmly held to the doctrines of the 
church in which he was reared, his sympathy 
and love embraced all of God's people. He 
had but little patience with denominational 
bigotry and sectarian exclusiveness. Believing 
that all evangelical churches hold much in 
common and differ only on non-essentials, he 
regarded it as both foolish and wrong to em* 
phasize these minor points so as to produce 
bitterness and estrangement. He said, "We 
all have the same God and Father, the same 
Bible ; we are all sinners saved by grace ; w T e 
are all trying to reach the same heaven. Why 
should we spend our strength in fighting each 
other? Are there not in every church elo- 
quent ministers, faithful missionaries and many 
noble, consecrated men and women ? Does not 
God honor them all with the presence and 
power of his Spirit ? Who has a monopoly of 
the word of God or his free Spirit ? Let us 
beware how we oppose each other, lest haply 
we be found fighting against God." 

He was firmly convinced that united Chris- 



160 PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

tian effort was irresistible, and regarded the 
work of the Bible Society and The American 
Sunday-School Union as an illustration of the 
point, and as a prophecy of good things yet to 
come. He w T as grieved to see that in some 
places the tendency of the times was to draw 
the denominational lines tighter, so as to ex- 
clude Union work. Why should this be done 
at a time when from eight to ten million chil- 
dren and youth in our country were not receiv- 
ing religious instruction, and when Union and 
interdenominational effort was the only prac- 
ticable and successful method of reaching most 
of them ? 

On one occasion, after addressing a large 
audience in a Virginian city, quite a number 
of persons came forward to speak to him. It 
seems that they had a dispute among them- 
selves as to which church he belonged. One 
gentleman said, u I know from his fire and en- 
thusiasm that he is bound to be a Methodist." 

"No, sir," answered his friend; " there is 
too much Calvinism about him to be a Meth- 
odist. He is a Baptist." 

A third one remarked, " Both of you breth- 



WILL POWER. 161 

ren are mistaken. I know from his dignity 
and good taste that he is an Episcopalian." 

Another said, " There is too much Scotch 
and Shorter Catechism about him for him to 
be anything but a Presbyterian." 

He replied to them, " Well, brethren, I feel 
greatly complimented to be claimed by you all. 
I help all of the churches by my work, but I 
will not tell you to which regiment of the 
King's army I belong." 

While he was conscious of the powers he 
possessed, and feared not the face of man, in 
things relating to God he was as humble as a 
child. When he erred, with tears of penitence 
and prayers of confession he sought forgive- 
ness. 

II. WILL POWER. 

His perseverance and will power were re- 
markable. After carefully considering an un- 
dertaking and devising means for accomplishing 
it, seldom did he fail. Even though success 
did not come, he intermitted his efforts only in 
order to devise more powerful methods for its 

accomplishment. 
11 



162 PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

One little incident will illustrate the in- 
fluence of this quality of his character. He 
planted a strawberry-bed in his garden. The 
plants were growing beautifully, but were at- 
tacked by insects and destroyed. Having 
taken great pleasure and pride in his garden, 
he secured other plants and tried again. These 
were likewise destroyed. Nothing daunted, 
he tried again and again until the bed had 
been replanted twenty-five times, and victory 
crowned his efforts. When urged to give up 
the apparently hopeless contest, he replied, 
" No, indeed ; that bug does not crawl that can 
whip me out. It is not my doctrine to give up 
what I undertake/' This same determination 
to conquer, he exhibited in the great as well as 
in the small matters of life. 



III. INDUSTRY. 

He was a hard worker all his life. When 
aged more than three score years and ten, his 
labors put many a young man to the blush. 
In the days of his prime there seemed to be 
no end to his power of endurance. On one 



INDUSTRY. 163 

day he delivered ten addresses, and during the 
last seemed as fresh as if it were the first. In 
preparing a circular or report, he sometimes 
revised it twenty times before allowing it to be 
printed. His success resulted from patient, 
intelligent and persistent hard work. If he 
possessed genius, it was a genius for intense 
protracted application. Life was real and earn- 
est to him, and he could never understand how 
an intelligent being could spend time in loung- 
ing and idleness. He had a poor opinion of 
drones, whether in or out of the Church; be- 
lieving there was enough unemployed talent in 
the Church to evangelize the world. 

He sometimes told with keen relish the story 
of Daniel Webster and his brother. When 
they were boys, their father told them one 
morning to mow some hay in the meadow. He 
then left them. The day was warm, and the 
boys preferred lounging to mowing. When 
their father returned at noon they had not 
mowed a stroke. He turned to the older boy 
and said, " Zeke, what have you been doing all 
the morning?" 

" Nothing, sir," was the reply. 



164 PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

Then putting the same question to Daniel, 
the reply was, "I have been helping Zeke, 
sir." 

The Zekes and Daniels in the Church are 
retarding its prosperity. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

SUMMARY OF RESULTS — A RETROSPECT CLOSING 

YEARS. 

It is difficult to form an estimate of the in- 
fluence and far-reaching results of such a life 
as Mr. McCullagh's. Having commenced his 
Sunday-school efforts in Great Britain, he 
worked as a volunteer missionary for seven 
years in the United States. Then he labored 
as a commissioned missionary of The American 
Sunday-School Union for eleven years. In 
1852, in addition to his own missionary efforts, 
he was appointed to superintend the society's 
work in Kentucky and Tennessee. His terri- 
tory was extended until, in 1867, he superin- 
tended the work in Virginia, Kentucky, Ten- 
nessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Geor- 
gia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, 
Texas and Florida. Subsequently the three 
states lying west of the Mississippi river were 
transferred to the southwestern district. He 
continued to superintend the work in the re- 

165 



166 SUMMARY OF RESULTS. 

maining states until 1884, when, owing to the 
infirmities of age, he resigned the office of 
superintendent. Then he was commissioned 
as a general missionary, in which capacity he 
continued in the work until his death. Thus 
his connection with The American Sunday- 
School Union, as a volunteer, a commissioned 
missionary, superintendent and general mis- 
sionary, extended over a period of fifty-four 
years. 

During that time he organized 1000 Sunday- 
schools, containing 66,200 teachers and schol- 
ars. The subsequent growth and influence of 
these schools cannot be estimated. A goodly 
portion of them have grown into churches; 
and many of the scholars " found him, of whom 
Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, 
Jesus of Nazareth." 

His influence extended much farther than 
the schools that he organized personally. For 
more than thirty-six years an important part 
of his work was to collect money to support 
missionaries. As far back as 1857 we find 
that he raised over three thousand dollars a 
year — a sum sufficient to support five mission- 



SCHOOLS ORGANIZED. 167 

aries. This amount increased until, in 1866, 
his average collections were more than five 
thousand dollars per year. The entire sum of 
money that he raised for the missionary work 
by personal solicitation, through legacies and 
other sources, amounted to hundreds of thou- 
sands of dollars. What share of the credit 
for inducing God's people to contribute to this 
cause, and for the great work which the mis- 
sionaries were thereby enabled to accomplish, 
should be accorded to him, we do not undertake 
to say. 

During the years from 1867 to 1884, while 
he was superintendent of the southern district, 
6459 new Sunday-schools were organized 
in that field, containing 304,000 teachers and 
scholars. Aid was rendered in 12,000 other 
cases to neighborhoods representing 638,700 
teachers and scholars ;.. 25,800 addresses were 
delivered ; 82,400 Bibles and Testaments were 
distributed; and 63,400 families visited. It 
would be difficult to estimate the influence he 
exerted by wisely training the new mission- 
aries 'placed under his care, and by cheering 
and encouraging them when discouraged. 



168 SUMMARY OF RESULTS. 

What the harvest shall be from the good 
seed which he scattered in the Bibles, the 
many Sunday-school libraries, and the ten thou- 
sand volumes of good books he distributed, 
will be known only in the great day. 

The number of Sunday-school scholars and 
young people whom he addressed could be 
numbered by the hundred thousand. What last- 
ing impressions were made upon their young 
hearts, what resolutions were formed to hate 
sin and seek righteousness and the increase of 
Christian effort, are pleasant themes to consider. 

What has been the result of his faithful 
words in the thousands of families that he 
visited and faithful admonitions by the way- 
side, we shall never know in this world. These 
suggestions are made to furnish suitable topics 
for contemplating the* extent of such a work. 

It is impossible to represent in figures the 
results of a well-spent life. A mans influence, 
be it for good or evil, lives after him. And it 
is a truth full of comfort to Christian people 
that God often honors their influence to accom- 
plish more for his glory after their death, than 
they were permitted to see during their lives. 



SALIENT POINTS. 169 

" Though, scoffers ask, ' Where is your gain V 
And mocking say, ' Your work is vain/ 
Such scoffers die and are forgot ; 
Work done for God, it dieth not. 

" Work on, work on, nor doubt nor fear. 
From age to age this voice shall cheer ; 
Whatever may die and be forgot, 
Work done for God, it dieth not." 

A RETROSPECT. 

Let us glance at the salient points of this 
history : 

1. We learn the great importance of early 
religious training. That good Scotchwoman, 
his mother, but little realized what a valiant 
soldier of the cross she was training for battle, 
and the victories he would achieve on another 
continent. 

2. We see the hand of Providence in human 
affairs. " The steps of a good man are ordered 
by the Lord." " I will guide thee with mine 
eye." He was bereaved of his family that he 
might become a son of consolation to thou- 
sands. His worldly possessions were swept 
away that he might make many know of " the 
depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and 



170 SUMMARY OF RESULTS. 

knowledge of God." The cupidity of the 
ship agents prevented him from sailing on 
the " Margaret " that he might be the instru- 
ment, under God, of turning many from the 
way which leads to eternal death. He was 
preserved from the dangers of war that he 
might tell many of the peace of God which 
passeth all understanding. 

3. We note all through his life the glorious 
efficacy of the gospel according to the promise, 
God's word shall not return unto him void. 
Let it be proclaimed even in the midst of ig- 
norance and vice and the results are astonish- 
ing. It is still the power of God unto salva- 
tion, and, as a practical working power, demon- 
strates its strength when subjected to the 
severest tests. 

4. We perceive the value and need of Chris- 
tian heroism ; that the dauntless, intrepid sol- 
diers of the cross who invade the enemies' ter- 
ritory can win imperishable laurels. 

5. We perceive the importance af continuing 
this foundation work to which his life was de- 
voted. Vice, ignorance and crime are of rapid 
growth. A large percentage of the inmates of 



CLOSING YEARS. Ill 

our prisons are boys and young men. Corrupt 
and infidel literature is being scattered broad- 
cast to contaminate the young. There are 
many thousands of dark places without the 
Sunday-school or church. There are still from 
eight to ten millions of children and youth in 
our country who are not receiving moral and 
religious training. From their wide distribu- 
tion, and from the choice and preference of the 
people in these destitute places, it seems as if 
the hand of Providence points to united Chris- 
tian effort as the available and effectual means 
of gathering them for religious instruction. 

CLOSING YEARS. 

In March, 1884, Mr. McCullagh, being 
seventy-three years of age, his hearing having 
almost entirely failed, and being greatly af- 
flicted with rheumatism, asked to be relieved 
of his duties as superintendent. 

He had always looked forward to a quiet 
and peaceful old age, in which he could spend 
his time at home, free from the anxieties and 
battles of life. He remarked, " When a man 
who has toiled all of his days reaches the age 



172 SUMMARY OF RESULTS. 

of seventy years, he should spend the short 
remaining time as a kind of sabbatical period, 
in closing up his earthly affairs, and in making 
special preparation for his eternal rest." 

After a few months, however, his health 
greatly improved, and his time, as general 
missionary, was spent in advancing the work 
with his pen. He contributed a number of 
articles to The Sunday -School World, wrote 
missionary letters to the patrons of the society, 
and continued his correspondence with all of 
his co-laborers in the Sunday-school work. 

On account of deafness, he was cut off from 
social intercourse with his neighbors and 
friends. He spent much time in reading. 
When fatigued from reading and writing, his 
garden afforded him an endless source of diver- 
sion and relaxation. Trimming his trees and 
raspberries, training grapevines, working in 
the strawberry bed and among vegetables, ex- 
perimenting with various methods of gardening, 
were duties followed with unflagging interest. 
From such careful • cultivation the yield of his 
garden was astonishing. Every tree and plant he 
watched as closely as a mother would her child. 



FRIENDS DEPARTING. 173 

During his last years lie was frequently 
called to mourn the loss of some dear personal 
friend or relative. It was owing to his exten- 
sive acquaintance, both North and South, that 
these sad announcements were so often re- 
ceived. " I feel like an old tree standing alone/' 
he said ; " my friends and co-laborers are falling 
on every side. It will soon be my time ; this 
old body can t stand much longer." While 
deeply depressed at the death of his friends, his 
usual frame of mind was bright and cheerful. 

He took as much interest and pleasure in 
life as a young person. There was nothing 
morbid or gloomy in his views of life or death. 
When asked how long he would like to live, 
he replied, "I am ready whenever my time 
comes ; but if left to me, to live just one day 
longer than Methuselah would suit me very 
well." He became more patient, gentle and 
trustful as the years passed by, and spent 
much time in reading the Scriptures and de- 
votional books. His humility was beautiful 
and touching; he never regarded anything 
that he had done as a ground for his personal 
acceptance with God. 



174 SUMMARY OF RESULTS. 

" It is all of grace. The great sacrifice that 
was once offered is complete in every respect. 
The atoning blood of Christ cleanseth from all 
sin. I trust not my own merits, but in his 
finished righteousness." 

Owing to deafness, he was in his later years 
debarred the pleasure of attending public wor- 
ship. His anxiety to hear some part of the 
service was such a strain upon his nervous 
system that it produced an intense pain in his 
head. The last sermon that he heard was 
from Dr. B. M. Palmer, of New Orleans. 
"Every thing that liveth, which moveth, 
whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall 
live" (Ezekiel47:9). 

The discourse depicted the glory and life- 
giving power of the gospel; like a mighty 
stream with its banks covered with verdure 
and flowers, it carried life and blessing wher- 
ever it flows ; so the gospel carries not only 
life but eternal life. The first sermon that he 
heard in America was from the text " Ye are 
my witnesses, saith the Lord." By the bless- 
ing of God he became a faithful witness. The 
last was a description of that eternal life which 



CLOSING SCENES. 175 

the gospel imparts, and was a fitting close of 
the great subject. 

The last contribution that he made was to 
help build a little Sunday-school room in the 
suburbs of Henderson. Forty-nine years be- 
fore he had raised the Sunday-school banner 
in this part of Kentucky, and almost with his 
dying hands aided in keeping that banner 
waving. Thus he left off where he began, his 
first and last effort being for Sunday-schools. 

On Saturday, August 18, 1888, lie read at 
family worship, with great emotion, the last 
chapter of the Revelation. That day he wrote 
his last two letters; one to Missionary Forster, 
thanking him for a walking-cane he had kindly 
sent him ; the other to Mr. Peter Lott, a con- 
tributor in New York. 

On Sunday, August 19, he complained of a 
slight dizziness in his head. He retired early 
at night, and, according to his custom, prayed 
aloud when going to his room. A short time 
after, he made an effort to call the family. 
When we reached him he was unconscious, and 
passed away quietly and sweetly, without a 
struggle. 



176 SUMMARY OF RESULTS. 

An artery in the brain had parted, and 
earth's trials ended. The Master called, and 
his spirit obeyed. 

" Yet speaketh ! Though the voice is hushed that filled 
Cathedral nave or choir, like clearest bell, 

With music of God's truth, — that softly thrilled 
The silence of the mourner's heart — that fell 

So sweetly, oh so sweetly, on the ears 

Of those to whom that voice was dearest of the dear. 

" Yet speaketh ! There was no last word of love, 

So suddenly on us the sorrow fell ; 
His bright translation to the home above 

Was clouded with no shadow of farewell; 
His final evening closed with praise and prayer, 
And then began the songs of joy up there. 

" Yet speaketh ! my father, now more dear 
Than ever, I have cried — oh speak to me 
Only once more, once more ! But now I hear 

The far-off whisper of sweet melody : 
Thou art yet speaking on the heavenly hill, 
Each word a note of joy — and shall we not be still ?" 

He had requested that but one inscription 
be put on his monument : " With long life will 
I satisfy him, and show him my salvation." 
Loving hands laid him away to rest in the 
beautiful valley of the Ohio, where he had 
valiantly fought the good fight of faith. Here 



HIS DEATH. 177 

he sleeps sweetly until the resurrection of the 
just. Here he shall rest until he sees the 
morning break on the golden shore. 

"And I heard a voice from heaven, saying 
unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which 
die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith 
the Spirit, that they may rest from their 
labours ; and their works do follow them." 



11 



CHAPTER XX. 

VIEWS OF HIS CHARACTER. 

After Mr. McCullagh had passed away, a 
multitude of letters were received from all 
parts of the Union, expressing the love and 
esteem with which he was regarded. The fol- 
lowing extracts have been selected as repre- 
senting the sentiments of them all. 

The Rev. James M. Crowell, D.D., Secretary 
of Missions of The American Sunday-School 
Union, wrote : 

" His life-work was a magnificent record of 
faithful toil and valiant service for the Lord 
and Master whom he so ardently loved. And 
surely the history of The American Sunday- 
School Union is crowded with facts and inci- 
dents associated with his good work. How 
dearly he loved our society and the children 
and their Saviour." 

The Rev. H. Clay Trumbull, D.D., editor of 
The Sunday- School Times, said : 

" Delightful memories of my experience with 

178 



TRUMBULL, YOUNG AND OTHERS. 179 

your dear father come back to me as I learn 
that he has finally entered into rest. I am 
glad of the life he lived ; I cannot be sorry for 
the death he died. I sympathize with you in 
the personal loss of his taking away ; I rejoice 
with you in memory of his loving service for 
his Master and in the assured hope of his pres- 
ence with the Lord." 

A. Gr. Adams, of Nashville, wrote : 

"From his pious and consistent and devoted 
life, his end was just what our Lord has prom- 
ised." 

Colonel Bennett H. Young, president of the 
Louisville Southern Railroad Company, writes 
to the son : 

" I have often said, I would rather have your 
father's crown in glory than any man's I had 
ever known. Many may have excelled him in 
many things, but none have brought more souls 
to Christ, and none lived more consecrated 
lives. You have already appropriated the prom- 
ises and comforts of the gospel. You are in- 
deed rich in the assurance of having a father 
so full of good works and faith, and one who 
did such valiant service for Jesus." 



180 VIEWS OF HIS CHARACTER. 

The Rev. G. S. Jones, of Hendersonville, 
N. C, for many years a missionary of the 
Union in Mr. McCullagh's district, says : 

" Yours of the 23d inst. brings me such 
news as makes me feel like stepping softly. A 
sense of sadness takes possession of my soul. 
I look again over the last letter written me by 
your dear father, and, laying it down, ask my- 
self, is it possible I am no more to be thus 
greeted? Ah, my prayer is, Lord, let the 
spirit of devotion to the great work in which 
John McCullagh lived and labored abide on 
me, even me, till at the appointed time I, too, 
shall quietly exchange the cross for the crown. 
In a wreath of deathless memories the name 
of McCullagh will hold a century's union with 
our good old society that cares for the chil- 
dren." 

The Rev. Isaac Emory, of Knoxville, Tenn., 
another experienced missionary, writes : 

" It is twenty-two years this month since I 
first met with him at Nashville, and at his 
earnest solicitation consented to come to East 
Tennessee, and receivqd my commission from 
The American Sunday-School Union. I said I 



HUNTER AND PAXSON. 181 

would enter the service for five years, provided 
the Lord blessed me in my work ; but he said 
it must be for life — that he had thus enlisted. 
He has been to me a spiritual father, dearly 
beloved. Sometimes, when weary in my work, 
but never of it, he would cheer me with the 
words of Luther, ' Work on earth and rest in 
heaven.' Now he has entered into that rest." 

Howard W. Hunter, of Louisville, Ky., says : 

" The sympathies of many hearts in our 
school (as indeed over many states) are with 
you ; while we cannot but rejoice that the bat- 
tle-scarred veteran of many battles has laid off 
his armor to receive the laurel wreath of vic- 
tory. Oh how blessed is such a death ! When 
we contemplate his reward, how ought we to 
be incited to acts of heroism and of self-denial ! 
What an immense circle of friends he has ' up 
there'!" 

Rev. W. P. Paxson, D.D., superintendent 
of the southwestern district, writes : 

" It was my privilege to be closely connected 
with Brother McCullagh in several of our ex- 
tended eastern trips in behalf of the cause he 
so dearly loved, and I learned to love him next 



182 VIEWS OF HIS CHARACTER. 

to my own father ; and I mourn his loss. Yet 
why mourn? His life's labor was done and 
well done, and he has gone to meet the rest of 
that noble band of veterans who have gone on 
before. May the Lord give us, who succeed 
to the labors of such men, the wisdom and 
grace to be as faithful and efficient !" 

L. Milton Marsh, secretary at New York, 
writes : 

" His was a long, useful, blessed life. How 
truly can it be said of him, 'He hath done 
what he could '! Very few pastors have been 
permitted to preach Christ to as many souls 
as he." 

R. Gr. Chisolm, of Charleston, a vice-pres- 
ident of the society, writes of Mr. McCullagh : 

" A long life well spent ; a battle nobly won ; 
and the end peace and joy." 

Hon. John W. Simonton, of Harrisburg, Pa., 
writes : 

" Your honored father did a great work for 
the Master ; and while he rests from his labors 
his works will follow him." 

James P. Orr, of Pittsburgh, Pa., says : 

" Mr. McCullagh's life and work was a grand 



OBB AND BICE. 183 

success ; far more so than the success that the 
world applauds. He had treasure laid up in 
heaven. It is a great comfort to know that he has 
gone to a sure reward. We have lost a friend 
here/ and gained one in the throng beyond." 

Rev. Edwin W. Rice, D.D., editor of The 
American Sunday-School Union, from his sum- 
mer vacation of rest by the sea-side wrote : 

"If I was counted among his intimate 
friends by your father it was because he was 
ever a true, manly and Christian friend to me. 
How kindly he took me by the hand and taught 
me how to reach the hearts and to some ex- 
tent the 'purses' of the people, when I was 
'fresh' and a poor scholar in such business in 
the West. I remember with sincere reverence 
his gentle and firm teaching. What a great 
gap he has left among our forces ! That splen- 
did band of veterans are fast passing away ! 
I begin to feel lonely ! There were Tousley, 
Corey, Stephen Paxson, McCullagh, Chidlaw 
and others ; noble men all of them ; each a peer 
in his place ; and of them all, no man could wield 
the influence in the South and the North, and 
could reach the 'pockets' of the people, by 



184 VIEWS OF HIS CHARACTER. 

public and personal appeals, in as effective and 
pleasant a manner as dear old John McCullagh. 
He was always sure to win a man by a per- 
sonal interview ; lie would gain him as a 6 friend 
to the cause/ even if he received no contribu- 
tion on the first application. In this work he 
was facile princeps ; his tact, persuasive power, 
sweetness of temper in rebuffs, and endless 
patience, perseverance and dead earnestness, 
carried everything and everybody before him. 
. . . The great desire of his heart, ' to die in 
the harness ' and to pass away peacefully and 
without great pain, was graciously answered 
of the Lord." 

The Presbyterian Banner ', noticing his death, 
adds : 

"Mr. McCullagh was known far and wide 
throughout the land as the children's preacher 
and indefatigable Sunday-school worker. For 
more than half a century he was identified with 
the great work of The American Sunday- School 
Union. He was one of the grand pioneer 
laborers for this cause in the Ohio valley. 
Through his efforts thousands of Sunday- 
schools have been organized, and tens of thou- 



FROM SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORLD. 185 

sands of children have learned the sweet story 
of Jesus and his love. After a three minutes' 
encounter with death, the veteran toiler passed 
into the presence of his Lord and King to be- 
hold his glory and beauty." 

The Sunday-School World closed an extended 
notice of Mr. McCullagh's life with these ap- 
preciative words : 

" When the battle of earth had been fought, 
without pain or sickness Mr. McCullagh rested 
from his labors August 20, 1888, at the age of 
nearly seventy-seven. His works follow him 
and his memory is blessed. His earnest en- 
thusiasm, his untiring energy and his good 
judgment of men rendered him a very efficient 
superintendent of the missionary work in the 
South. His relations with the home office in 
Philadelphia were always of the most pleasant 
character. His affection for the society con- 
tinued to be most ardent to the end of life. 
The officers and managers always commended 
his zeal, and confided in his good judgment as 
a most valuable and energetic co-worker with 
themselves in the great work of caring for the 
neglected children of the land." 



186 VIEWS OF HIS CHARACTER. 

The Christian Observer, of Louisville, Ky., 
after referring to his death, adds : 

" For a long time he has been the agent of 
The American Sunday-School Union, and as 
such he visited many of our congregations. 
His advent was always welcomed, for the ' Old 
Missionary ' would not fail to bring with him a 
cheery face and a happy word for all. Age did 
not seem to mar the brightness of his smile or 
the cordiality of his manner. The illustrations 
that he used in talking with the schools were 
always pertinent and effective. . . . He came 
to Kentucky nearly fifty years ago, and has 
made his home at Henderson, we think, con- 
tinuously ever since. Some time ago his health 
failed, and he has been calmly awaiting the call 
of the Master to enter into the rest that is re- 
served for all those that love his appearing." 

The Courier-Journal, of Louisville, Ky., an- 
nounced his death and adds : 

" He was well known throughout the South, 
having for a number of years occupied the po- 
sition of superintendent of The American Sun- 
day-School Union for the southern district. 
Mr. McCullagh was a truly good man and re- 



FROM HENDERSON NEWS. 187 

spected citizen. His loss is mourned by the 
whole community." 

The Henderson Journal gave an extended no- 
tice of his work in founding a church at that 
place and of his wider labors in the South, 
closing thus : 

" Sufficient to say that the thousands of 
Sunday-schools established through his agency, 
and the tens of thousands of children brought 
to a knowledge of the light and truth by his 
means, are monuments of which any man might 
be proud." 

The Henderson News gives an interesting 
picture of his home-life and character : 

"No citizen of Henderson has been more 
honorably mentioned by its press, after death, 
than has been Rev. John McCullagh. 

" Like a weary pilgrim who had journeyed 
far, he came to the rivers brink, where he laid 
down his burdens and prepared to cross to the 
farther side. He had worked during the allot- 
ted three score and ten ; and although he was 
' living on borrowed time/ as he sometimes ex- 
pressed it, his intellect was not allowed to rest 
in idleness, nor the feeble hands to rest from 
their labors. 



188 VIEWS OF HIS CHARACTER. 

" Always a toiler in his Master's vineyard 
while health and strength permitted, his inter- 
est in the cause and the Church never flagged 
to the last. Unlike most persons who engage 
in literary or public work of any kind, in spite 
of the engrossing cares of his vocation, he had 
always time and sympathy for the discharge, in 
detail, of the duties devolving upon him as a 
husband or father. Whether his counsel was 
needed in the solution of a knotty problem in 
a business enterprise, or to soothe the school- 
boy woes of a little grandchild, each one 
turned to him, and none failed in obtaining the 
desired aid and sympathy. Although an alien 
from the home of his birth, he identified him- 
self with the interests of his adopted land, and 
was ever a faithful and worthy citizen. He 
grappled with the difficulties of adverse for- 
tune, and bore off spoils where weaker natures 
would have yielded to despair. But the re- 
wards of his diligence and persevering energy 
were never consumed in self-indulgence, as he 
was ever frugal to himself. To the cause of 
Christianity the first fruits of his success were 
always devoted, and afterwards his family and 
friends came in for a generous share. 



TRAITS OF CHARACTER. 189 

" Endowed himself with a fine intellect, great 
powers of endurance, strength of purpose, un- 
usual fortitude and force of character, united 
with tender affections and unswerving religious 
sentiments, he transmitted to his offspring and 
nurtured in them the same noble traits. 
" ' Ye shall know them by their fruits.' 
"A hero indeed he must have been to those 
associated with him in the daily walks of life, 
when such were the impressions made by his 
life upon one who only caught the glimmer of 
his taper from afar as it flitted on the way, 

1 Over the river they beckon to me — 

Loved ones long gone to the farther side ; 
The gleam of their snowy robes I see, 

But their voices are drowned in the rushing tide. 
You see not the angels waiting there, 

The gates of the city you cannot see ; 
Over the river — the peaceful river — 

Loved ones are waiting to welcome me. 

c I've watched for a gleam of the flapping sail — 

I hear the boat as it gains the strand ; 
I shall pass from sight with the boatman pale 

To the better shore of the spirit-land. 
I shall know the loved who have gone before, 

And joyfully sweet will the meeting be, 
When over the river — the peaceful river — 

The Angel of Death has carried me.' " 



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